A court in Seoul has granted an extension to the detention of South Korea’s impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, amid an ongoing investigation into his failed attempt to impose martial law last month. The decision, made on Sunday, allows authorities to hold the 64-year-old president for an additional 20 days, citing concerns that he may destroy evidence if released.
Yoon was arrested on Wednesday following a tense standoff between investigators and his presidential security team. His detention has sparked a series of protests and violent clashes, with supporters breaking into the courthouse in an attempt to prevent his detention extension. The incident, in which windows and doors were reportedly smashed, has been condemned by both Yoon and acting president Choi Sang-mok.
The extended detention follows a warrant issued at 03:00 local time (18:00 GMT on Saturday), which permits investigators to continue their probe into Yoon’s role in attempting to impose martial law on December 3. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) is investigating Yoon on charges of insurrection, a move that has caused political turmoil in the country.
Yoon has already been impeached by parliament, but his removal from office will only be finalized if the constitutional court upholds the decision. In the meantime, the CIO has 20 days to present its case for trial, including the four days Yoon has already spent in custody.
Following the court’s ruling, Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, announced that the president would refuse to cooperate with the investigation. Pro-Yoon supporters rallied outside the courthouse in the lead-up to the decision, with some entering the building after the detention extension was issued. Police arrested dozens of individuals as tensions flared.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed his “strong regret” over the violence, condemning the actions of the president’s supporters and pledging to increase security at future appearances. Choi, who recently assumed the role of acting president after the impeachment of his predecessor, Han Duck-soo, has been overseeing the government amid the political crisis.
Yoon’s detention and the ongoing protests reflect deep divisions in South Korean society following his controversial martial law attempt, which he justified as a response to “anti-state forces” in parliament, while also citing concerns over North Korea. Critics, however, view the move as a drastic response to the political stalemate and Yoon’s unpopularity, exacerbated by a scandal involving his First Lady.
Public demonstrations against Yoon have escalated in recent weeks, as thousands take to the streets to voice their opposition to the suspended president and his actions.
