A South Korean court on Sunday ruled to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, as he faces potential rebellion charges stemming from his brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
The Seoul Western District Court granted a request from the police to extend Yoon’s arrest, citing concerns over the possibility of evidence destruction if he were released.
The decision allows authorities to hold Yoon in pre-trial detention for up to 20 days, beginning from his arrest on Wednesday.
The ruling triggered violent protests from Yoon’s supporters, who stormed the court, smashing windows and damaging equipment.
Nearly 90 individuals were arrested during the chaos. Acting Police Chief Lee Ho-young condemned the breach, emphasizing that it posed a severe challenge to the rule of law.
Authorities have launched an investigation into threats made against the judge who issued the warrant for Yoon's detention.
Despite previous refusals to cooperate, Yoon has agreed to appear personally in court, where his lawyers will argue the "legitimacy of emergency martial law" and defend against charges of insurrection, which could carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
In parallel, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to uphold Yoon's impeachment.
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