SEOUL, South Korea — On Sunday morning, South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially taken into custody, just days after being detained at his presidential residence in the capital. He is now facing the potential of incarceration due to his controversial declaration of martial law from the previous month.
Yoon’s arrest suggests the start of a protracted period of detention that could extend for several months. Following the decision to detain him, tensions erupted outside the Seoul Western District Court, where a large group of his supporters clashed with law enforcement, leading to the destruction of court premises, including doors and windows. Protesters reportedly utilized plastic chairs and police shields, which they had removed from officers, to wreak havoc inside the building.
In response to the unrest, hundreds of police were deployed to manage the situation, resulting in the arrest of nearly 90 demonstrators. Some officers were injured during the chaos and were seen receiving treatment on-site. However, it was unclear if any staff members from the court were hurt during the outbreak of violence.
After an extensive eight-hour session of deliberation, the court approved law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant, designating Yoon as a potential threat to evidence preservation. Yoon, accompanied by his legal team, appeared before the court on Saturday to contest his detention.
Currently, Yoon remains in custody following his capture on Wednesday during a large-scale operation by law enforcement at his home. He faces serious allegations of rebellion, linked to the martial law declaration he initiated on December 3rd, which has been recognized as the most significant political turmoil in South Korea since its democratization period in the late 1980s.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military units, is at the forefront of the investigation. They now have the authority to keep Yoon detained for up to 20 days, during which they plan to forward their findings to public prosecutors for potential indictment. Yoon’s legal team also has the option to file a challenge against the issued arrest warrant.
The turmoil extended to the streets surrounding the court, where thousands gathered to voice their support for Yoon. Prior to the issuance of the warrant, protesters engaged in confrontations with police, resulting in multiple arrests. Several vehicles used by anti-corruption agents were also reported damaged as they departed the court premises.
During what turned out to be a nearly five-hour hearing, Yoon reportedly spoke to the judge for about 40 minutes. Differing stances were presented by his legal representatives and the anti-corruption agencies concerning Yoon’s custody status.
Several high-ranking officials, including Yoon’s defense minister and police chief, have already faced arrest and indictment concerning their involvement in enforcing the martial law context. The political unrest commenced when Yoon sought to circumvent legislative impasses by declaring military authority and dispatching troops to critical locations, including the National Assembly and various election offices. The martial law measure was quickly repealed after hours when lawmakers managed to navigate through a blockade.
As Yoon’s future hangs in the balance, the Constitutional Court is currently assessing whether to solidify his impeachment or reinstate him as president. Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon’s legal advocates, criticized the warrant issuance, deeming it a manifestation of anti-constitutionalism, claiming that Yoon’s proclamation of martial law was a legitimate governmental act. He also expressed concern over Yoon’s supporters becoming increasingly agitated by the arrest. Meanwhile, Yoon’s political party expressed discontent over the development but urged supporters to avoid any escalation of violence.
In contrast, the opposition Democratic Party, which was instrumental in the impeachment process, stated that Yoon’s detention represents a pivotal moment for the restoration of constitutional integrity.
To attend the court hearing, Yoon was transported from a detention facility in Uiwang to the courthouse in a blue Justice Ministry van, under the guard of police and presidential security personnel. As Yoon arrived, a significant crowd of supporters had gathered outside, creating a heavily policed environment.
Post-hearing, Yoon was returned to detention without making any statements to the media. Additionally, following a violent confrontation with protestors, the anti-corruption agency requested that media outlets blur the faces of their personnel at the hearing.
Yoon has maintained that his martial law order was intended only as a short-term measure to warn the opposition party, which he accuses of impeding legislative progress. He argues that the troops dispatched to election offices were there to investigate alleged electoral misconduct, which remains unconfirmed in South Korea. Yoon insisted he had no desire to hinder legislative operations but aimed to ensure order during that tumultuous period.
However, military officials have characterized Yoon’s actions as a calculated effort to control the legislature, a move that was reportedly thwarted by the efforts of civilians and legislative staff to assist lawmakers in accessing the assembly.
If the prosecution moves forward with charges against Yoon for rebellion and abuse of power—under investigation at present—his detention could be extended up to six months prior to trial. Should he be convicted by the initial court, the case could progress through higher courts, with treason charges carrying severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty under South Korean law.
