A South Korean court has approved a request to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of insurrection tied to his declaration of martial law.
The ruling, delivered by a court in Seoul, South Korea, in the early morning hours of Jan. 19 local time, allows authorities to hold Yoon for up to 20 additional days.
The court’s decision sparked outrage from Yoon’s supporters, who accused the government of political persecution. Not long after the court’s announcement, hundreds of pro-Yoon demonstrators gathered outside the courthouse, demanding his immediate release. The protest escalated, with some demonstrators storming the courthouse and clashing with police. Officials said at least 16 people were arrested.
Yoon, who was arrested on Jan. 15, became South Korea’s first sitting president to face detention in a criminal investigation. The charges stem from his abrupt declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, which lasted only a few hours before being rescinded amid domestic and international outcry.
In declaring martial law, Yoon accused “anti-state forces” of destabilizing the nation and labeled the liberal opposition Democratic Party (DP) as a “monster” exploiting its parliamentary majority to obstruct government budget proposals. He also claimed the DP harbored sympathies for communist North Korea.
Yoon has maintained that his declaration of martial law was a lawful exercise of governance. However, investigators are probing whether Yoon’s actions amounted to an attempted insurrection, as his declaration of martial law bypassed legislative and judicial approval and raised concerns of potential abuse of power. A conviction on the charge of attempted insurrection could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
To date, Yoon has refused to cooperate with efforts to interrogate him by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the agency that submitted the detention warrant. It is unclear whether the extended detention will prompt him to reconsider his position.
In its decision to extend Yoon’s detention, the Seoul Western District Court cited “concern that the suspect may destroy evidence.”
South Korean lawmakers impeached Yoon on Dec. 14, suspending his presidential powers.
The fallout from Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law has driven South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. His arrest has triggered polarizing reactions across the country, with some calling it a necessary step to uphold democratic accountability, while Yoon’s supporters have framed it as a politically motivated witch hunt.
