South Korean court extends President Yoon's detention, angering supporters

A South Korean court on Sunday extended the detention of President Yoon Suk-yeol for up to 20 days. The court stated that it was concerned Yoon might destroy evidence in a criminal investigation into his brief declaration of martial law in early December. Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested on Wednesday and faces charges of insurrection.

South Korean investigators requested the Seoul court extend Yoon's detention on Friday after he refused to be questioned, as they needed to apply for an extension of detention or release the president within 48 hours. The Seoul Western District Court said it had approved the detention warrant application submitted by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). Under the new detention order, Yoon can be held for a maximum of 20 days.

Insurrection is one of the few crimes for which South Korean presidents do not enjoy immunity, and is among the charges Yoon may face. South Korean regulations require suspects detained under arrest warrants to undergo a physical examination, have their mugshots taken, and wear prison uniforms. According to Yonhap News Agency, some supporters stormed the court around 3 a.m. local time after learning of the extension of Yoon's detention, damaging property, attacking police, and chanting the president’s name.

Yoon's lawyer, Seok Dong-hyeon, condemned the court's decision but also warned the president's supporters not to escalate the situation. "This is probably not what President Yoon would have wanted," he said in a statement, adding that violent actions could also "create a burden" for the president's future trial. Some protesters forced their way into the building and vandalized the interior, while others outside sprayed police with what appeared to be fire extinguishers. AFP reporters saw that the court building's exterior tiles, walls, and windows had been damaged. Protesters chanted, "President Yoon Suk-yeol, we protect you." This followed tens of thousands of Yoon's protesters gathering outside the court.

Police said that the clashes led to the detention of around 40 people, while two official vehicles of the agency investigating Yoon were also attacked. Yoon sent a letter through his lawyer on Friday thanking his supporters, including evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTube users, whom he credited for their protests as "passionate patriotism." Yoon has also been absent from a parallel investigation at the Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to uphold his impeachment. If that court rules against him, Yoon would formally lose his presidency and an election would be held within 60 days. He has missed the first two hearings this week, but the trial could last for months and will continue in his absence.