In a dramatic turn of events, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early Sunday morning, just days after his apprehension at the presidential compound in Seoul. Yoon faces serious charges, including potential rebellion, following his controversial declaration of martial law last month, which has plunged the nation into its most significant political crisis since the late 1980s.
Yoon’s arrest has sparked unrest, particularly at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters stormed the premises in a chaotic display of defiance. The rioters wreaked havoc, destroying the main door and windows using plastic chairs, metal beams, and even police shields. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as objects were thrown and fire extinguishers deployed, resulting in damaged furniture and shattered glass doors. The supporters demanded to see the judge who issued the arrest warrant, only to find that she had already left.
In response to the unrest, hundreds of police officers were deployed, resulting in nearly 90 arrests. Some officers were injured during the fracas and were treated at ambulance vans outside the court. Authorities are currently assessing the damage and confirming whether any court staff were injured in the incident.
The court’s decision to grant law enforcement an arrest warrant for Yoon followed an eight-hour deliberation, during which it was determined that he posed a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his legal team had argued for his release just a day prior.
Since his apprehension on Wednesday, Yoon has been in detention, and the ongoing investigation led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military, now has the authority to extend his detention for up to 20 days. During this time, they will prepare the case for public prosecutors, moving closer to a potential indictment that could reshape South Korea’s political landscape.
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