Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed the Seoul Western District Court early Sunday after a judge extended his detention, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
According to the AFP, the incident unfolded shortly after the court’s pre-dawn decision to keep Yoon in custody for an additional 20 days.
The move came amid ongoing investigations into insurrection charges against him, stemming from his six-hour suspension of civilian rule in early December.
Tens of thousands of Yoon’s supporters had gathered outside the courthouse on Saturday, rallying against his detention. After the decision was announced around 3:00 am local time, a faction of protesters forced their way into the court building, smashing windows and doors.
In response, hundreds of police officers intervened, making dozens of arrests. Acting police chief Lee Ho-young condemned the events as an “intolerable illegal and violent incident” and vowed to investigate any involvement by right-wing YouTubers, who have been vocal backers of Yoon.
“This level of violence against a judicial institution is unprecedented in South Korea,” said Yoo Jung-hoon, a political analyst. “Those involved are likely to face serious legal consequences.”
President Yoon, who was arrested in a dramatic dawn raid earlier this week, thanked his supporters through his lawyers. “Your passionate patriotism inspires me,” he said, urging them to avoid further escalation.
Yoon’s lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, criticized the court’s decision to extend his detention but appealed for calm among his client’s backers. “This is not what President Yoon desires,” Seok stated. “Violence will only complicate his legal battles.”
The embattled leader has repeatedly defended his declaration of martial law, alleging election fraud in last year’s legislative polls despite a lack of evidence. His supporters have echoed rhetoric similar to that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, waving American flags and calling to “stop the steal.”
Prosecutors are preparing to formally charge Yoon with insurrection, a crime that could carry the death penalty or life imprisonment. The Seoul court justified his extended detention, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering.
“The evidence supporting the charges is overwhelming,” Yoo explained. “The court has prioritized the integrity of the investigation given Yoon’s high-ranking position and the risks involved.”
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, a decision that could officially strip him of the presidency and trigger new elections within 60 days.
