On January 18, 2025, hundreds of supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol forcibly entered the Seoul Western District Court after a judge extended his detention period. The extension allows authorities to hold President Yoon for up to 20 additional days as investigations continue into his December 3 martial law declaration.
Violent Protests and Clashes
The protest escalated as demonstrators breached police barricades, smashed windows, and caused significant damage within the courthouse. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulted in several injuries. Authorities arrested 46 individuals involved in the unrest.
Official Condemnation
Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the attack, describing it as “unimaginable” and an assault on the nation’s democratic institutions. He pledged to implement enhanced security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal Proceedings and Political Reactions
President Yoon’s legal team maintains that his detention is unlawful, asserting that his actions were within the bounds of his presidential authority. The court, however, justified the detention extension due to concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence pertinent to the investigation.
The political landscape remains polarized. The conservative People Power Party, aligned with Yoon, expressed regret over the court’s decision, while the opposition Democratic Party supported the extension as a necessary step to uphold the rule of law.
Ongoing Investigations
The Constitutional Court is concurrently assessing whether to permanently remove President Yoon from office following his impeachment. The outcome of this process will significantly influence South Korea’s political trajectory in the coming months.
Also learn about Arrested South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Remains Silent as Detention Deadline Approaches.
