Police officers stand guard as supporters of deposed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempt to enter the Western District Court in Seoul, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.
Ahn Young-joon/AP
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Ahn Young-joon/AP
SEOUL, South Korea — Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early Sunday, days after he was apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces a prison sentence over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
Yoon’s arrest could mark the start of a prolonged period of detention, potentially lasting months or longer.
The decision to arrest Yoon sparked unrest at Seoul’s western district court, where dozens of his supporters destroyed the court’s main gate and windows. They used plastic chairs and police shields which they managed to keep away from the police. Some entered a hallway and were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to quell the riot at the court. Dozens of people were arrested at the scene, while some injured police officers were seen being treated in ambulances. It was not immediately clear whether any court staff were injured.
After an hour of deliberation, the court granted law enforcement’s request to issue an arrest warrant for Yoon, considering it a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his lawyers appeared before the court judge in a hearing on Saturday and argued for his release.
Yoon, who has been in custody since being apprehended Wednesday during a massive law enforcement operation at his residential complex, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his Dec. 3 declaration of martial law , which triggered the most serious political crisis the country has experienced since its creation. democratization in the late 1980s.
The Senior Officials Corruption Investigation Bureau, which is conducting a joint investigation with the police and military, can now extend Yoon’s detention to 20 days, during which time it will forward the case to prosecutors for indictment.
Yoon’s lawyers could also file a motion to challenge the court’s arrest warrant.
Yoon’s court appearance sparked chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his staunch supporters gathered for hours to demand his release. Even before the court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon, protesters clashed several times with police who arrested dozens of them, including around 20 who scaled a fence in an attempt to escape. approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they left the court after arguing for Yoon’s arrest.
Yoon’s lawyers said he spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour closed hearing Saturday. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies have presented opposing arguments over whether he should be detained. Lawyers did not share his specific comments.
After the hearing, Yoon was taken back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. Neither Yoon nor his lawyers immediately commented on the arrest warrant.
Chaotic scenes outside the court
Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and presidential security services, to attend the court hearing ahead of the ruling on the arrest warrant.
The procession entered the court’s basement parking lot as thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered in nearby streets despite a heavy police presence. Some protesters broke through police lines and banged on the windows of his van as they approached the court. Yoon did not speak to reporters.
After its investigators were attacked by protesters later Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to mask the faces of its members attending the hearing.
Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate
Yoon Kab-keun, one of the president’s lawyers, said he planned to argue to the judge that his decree was a legitimate exercise of his powers and that accusations of rebellion would not stand up in criminal court or in court. the Constitutional Court, which is examining whether to officially dismiss him from office or reinstate him.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several senior military commanders have already been arrested and charged for their role in enforcing martial law.
The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break the legislative deadlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to overcome a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted for his dismissal on December 14.
If prosecutors charged Yoon with rebellion and abuse of power, allegations currently being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before his trial.
Under South Korean law, organizing a rebellion is punishable by life in prison or the death penalty.
Yoon’s lawyers argued there was no need to detain him during the investigation, saying he did not pose a threat of leaking or destroying evidence.
Investigators say Yoon ignored several requests to appear for questioning and that presidential security blocked an attempt to arrest him on January 3. His defiance raised concerns about whether he would comply with criminal procedure if he were not under arrest.
