SEOUL:On Sunday, supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a Seoul court after a judge extended his detention following his controversial attempt to declare martial law. Yoon expressed his shock and disappointment over the pre-dawn attack, which saw his supporters smashing windows and doors at the court. Tens of thousands had gathered outside the Seoul Western District Court the previous day to show their support for Yoon, who had become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested in a surprise raid earlier this week.
AFP reporters observed hundreds of police officers charging into the court, arresting dozens of individuals involved in what was condemned as an “intolerable illegal and violent incident.” This event is the latest in South Korea’s ongoing political crisis, which began on December 3 when Yoon attempted to impose martial law and deployed troops to the parliament. The move, which aimed to suspend civilian rule, was quickly overturned after just six hours when lawmakers defied the military presence and voted it down. Yoon was subsequently impeached and suspended from office.
Despite facing both a Constitutional Court ruling on his impeachment and a criminal investigation that led to his detention, Yoon vowed to continue fighting to correct what he claims were injustices, regardless of how long it takes.
The Seoul court, which authorized his detention for an additional 20 days, expressed concerns about Yoon potentially destroying evidence if released. In a statement issued through his legal team, Yoon defended his actions, asserting the legitimacy of his martial law declaration. His supporters maintain that his decision was warranted due to alleged election fraud in last year’s legislative elections, although they have not provided any evidence to support these claims. Their protests often feature American flags and rhetoric similar to that used by former US President Donald Trump’s followers during the Capitol riot.
