Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early on Sunday after a decision was made to extend his detention. The protest turned violent, with demonstrators smashing windows, breaking into the building, and destroying office equipment. Riot police attempted to control the crowd, and 46 protesters were arrested. Nine officers and around 40 individuals were injured in the chaos. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violent protest, calling it “unimaginable in a democratic society.”
Yoon, arrested for alleged insurrection following his declaration of martial law in December 2023, has been detained in a solitary cell. The court granted an extension to his detention, citing concerns that he might destroy evidence. Despite the extension, Yoon’s legal team has contested the arrest, arguing that the detention is illegal.
The incident occurred while South Korea’s Constitutional Court deliberates on whether Yoon should be permanently removed from office, following his December impeachment. Political reactions are divided, with Yoon’s conservative party criticizing the detention extension, while the opposition views it as necessary for restoring order. Public support for Yoon’s party has seen a resurgence despite the controversy surrounding the martial law incident.
