South Korean Court Extends Detention of Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol
A Seoul court has extended the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing concerns over potential evidence tampering related to his failed attempt to impose martial law last month.
The court granted investigators an additional 20 days to hold Yoon, who has been in custody since his arrest on January 17. The 64-year-old leader faces charges of insurrection over the December 3 martial law order, which triggered widespread political unrest.
Yoon’s arrest followed weeks of standoffs between investigators and his presidential security team, who resisted a prior detention attempt. His supporters have staged frequent protests, with some disrupting legal proceedings.
After the court’s decision on Sunday, demonstrators stormed the courthouse, damaging property. Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable in a democratic society.
Yoon’s lawyer announced his refusal to cooperate with the investigation, while the former president urged his supporters to remain peaceful.
The martial law declaration, justified by Yoon as a response to alleged threats from parliament and North Korea, has been criticized as a power grab amid scandals involving his administration.
Yoon’s impeachment, pending review by the Constitutional Court, could permanently remove him from office. The crisis deepened after parliament also impeached acting President Han Duck-soo for obstructing Yoon’s impeachment process, leading to Choi Sang-mok’s temporary leadership.
Investigators now have until February to decide whether to formally charge Yoon, as the country remains mired in political turmoil.
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