THE TELEGRAPH
Our Foreign Staff
Sun, January 19, 2025
Our Foreign Staff
Sun, January 19, 2025
Yoon Suk Yeol is in detention after being impeached for unexpectedly declaring martial law - Yonhap/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Hundreds of supporters of Yoon Suk Yeol, the South Korean president arrested after declaring martial law, stormed a court building early on Sunday after his detention was extended.
They smashed windows and forced entry in an attack the country’s acting leader called “unimaginable”.
Mr Yoon was detained on Wednesday, the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. He faces allegations of insurrection over his shocking, short-lived declaration of martial law that plunged the country into political turmoil on Dec 3.
Shortly after the court announced its decision at 3am local time on Sunday (6pm on Saturday UK time), Mr Yoon’s supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police who tried to keep them at bay.
They turned fire extinguishers on lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooded inside, destroying office equipment, fittings and furniture, footage showed.
An emergency service worker said around 40 people sustained minor injuries - Yonhap/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Police restored order a few hours later, saying they had arrested 46 rioters and vowing to track down others involved.
“The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence... which is unimaginable in a democratic society,” Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, said in a statement. He added that the authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings.
Nine police officers were injured in the chaos, Yonhap news agency reported. Police were not immediately available for comment on the injured officers.
About 40 people suffered minor injuries, said an emergency responder near the Seoul Western District Court.
Several of those involved live-streamed the intrusion on YouTube, showing protesters trashing the court and chanting Mr Yoon’s name. Some of them were caught by police during their broadcasts.
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With Mr Yoon refusing to be questioned, investigators asked a court on Friday to extend the impeached president’s period of custody.
Support for Mr Yoon has resurged in the chaos after his botched declaration of martial law - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty
At a five-hour hearing on Saturday, which Mr Yoon attended, a judge granted a new warrant extending his detention by up to 20 days, due to “concern that the suspect may destroy evidence”.
South Korean regulations require a suspect detained under a warrant to undergo a physical exam, have a mugshot taken and wear a prison uniform.
The leader is being held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre.
South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) said it had called in Mr Yoon, a former prosecutor, for further questioning on Sunday afternoon – but he did not attend. The CIO said it would ask Mr Yoon to come in for questioning on Monday.
His lawyers have argued the arrest is illegal because the warrant was issued in the wrong jurisdiction and the investigating team had no mandate.
Insurrection is one of the few crimes from which a South Korean president does not have immunity, and is technically punishable by death. There have been no executions in South Korea for nearly 30 years, however.
Mr Yoon said through his lawyers he found the violent incident at court “shocking and unfortunate”, and called on people to express their opinions peacefully.
The windows of Seoul Western District Court were smashed in the riot - Daniel Ceng/Anadolu via Getty
“The president said... he wouldn’t give up and would correct the wrong, even if it took time,” Mr Yoon’s lawyers said in a statement. Saying he understands many are feeling “rage and unfairness”, Yoon asked police to take a “tolerant position”.
Separate to the criminal probe that sparked Sunday’s chaos, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to permanently remove Mr Yoon from office, in line with parliament’s Dec 14 impeachment, or to restore his presidential powers.
Mr Yoon’s conservative People Power Party called the court’s decision to extend his detention on Sunday a “great pity”.
“There’s a question whether repercussions of detaining a sitting president were sufficiently considered,” the party said in a statement.
The main opposition Democratic Party said the decision was a “cornerstone” for rebuilding order and that “riots” by “far-Right” groups would only deepen the national crisis.
Nine police officers were injured, local media said - Xinhua/Shutterstock
Support for the PPP collapsed after Mr Yoon’s martial law declaration, which he rescinded hours later after a unanimous vote in parliament rejected it.
But its support has recovered in the ensuing political turmoil, in which the opposition-majority parliament impeached Mr Yoon’s first replacement and investigators botched an initial attempt to arrest Mr Yoon.
The PPP edged ahead of the Democratic Party in support – 39 per cent to 36 per cent – for the first time since August in a Gallup Korea poll on Friday.
Thousands gathered for an orderly rally in support of Mr Yoon in downtown Seoul on Sunday morning. Anti-Yoon demonstrations have also taken place across the city in recent days.
S. Korea's president in court as investigators seek to extend detention
AFP
Sat, January 18, 2025
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was in court for the first time on Saturday for a crucial hearing that will decide whether to extend his detention as investigators probe his failed martial law bid.
Thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied outside the court and scuffled with police as they chanted their support for the suspended leader, who plunged South Korea into its worst political chaos in decades with his bid to suspend civilian rule.
The president's December 3 martial law declaration lasted just six hours, with lawmakers voting it down despite him ordering soldiers to storm parliament to stop them. He was impeached soon after.
Yoon was detained in a dawn raid on Wednesday in a criminal probe on insurrection charges after he refused investigators' summons and went to ground in his residence, using his presidential security detail to resist arrest.
South Korea's first sitting president to be detained, Yoon also declined to cooperate during the initial 48 hours detectives were allowed to hold him.
However, the disgraced president remains in custody after investigators requested a new warrant on Friday to extend his detention.
Yoon spoke for 40 minutes in court, the Yonhap news agency reported, with his lawyer earlier telling AFP the leader had hopes of "restoring his honour" before the judges.
The court must decide whether to free Yoon, which analysts say is unlikely, or extend his detention for around another 20 days. Its ruling is expected late on Saturday or early Sunday.
AFP journalists outside the court saw crowds of Yoon's backers waving flags and holding "release the president" placards. Yonhap said police estimated that around 12,000 supporters had rushed to the area.
- 'Passionate patriotism' -
On Friday, Yoon sent a letter through his lawyers on Friday thanking his supporters, who include evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, for their protests, which he deemed "passionate patriotism".
Some protesters chanted "Cha Eun-gyeong is a commie!", referring to the judge reviewing the arrest request. Others cried "We love you, President Yoon Suk Yeol" and "Impeachment is invalid!"
They began marching while waving South Korean and American flags and took over the main roads in front of the court. Yoon's party typically favours South Korea's US security alliance and rejects engagement with the nuclear-armed North.
"The likelihood of the court approving the arrest is very high, and aware of this, Yoon has urged maximum mobilisation among his hardline supporters," Chae Jin-won of Humanitas College at Kyung Hee University told AFP.
"Today's protests serve as a sort of farewell event between Yoon and his extreme support base."
- More legal woes -
A decision by the court to approve Yoon's continued detention would give prosecutors time to formalise an indictment for insurrection, a charge for which he could be jailed for life or executed if found guilty.
Such an indictment would also mean Yoon would likely be detained for the duration of his trial.
Once "the warrant is issued this time, (Yoon) will likely be unable to return home for an extended period", political commentator Park Sang-byung told AFP.
Yoon said on Wednesday he had agreed to leave his compound to avoid "bloodshed" but that he did not accept the legality of the investigation.
He has refused to answer investigators' questions, with his legal team saying Yoon explained his position on the day he was arrested.
Yoon has also been absent from a parallel probe at the Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to uphold his impeachment.
If that court rules against him, Yoon will formally lose the presidency and elections will be called within 60 days.
He did not attend the first two hearings this week but the trial, which could last months, will continue in his absence.
cdl-jfx/ceb/pbt
AFP
Sat, January 18, 2025
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was in court for the first time on Saturday for a crucial hearing that will decide whether to extend his detention as investigators probe his failed martial law bid.
Thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied outside the court and scuffled with police as they chanted their support for the suspended leader, who plunged South Korea into its worst political chaos in decades with his bid to suspend civilian rule.
The president's December 3 martial law declaration lasted just six hours, with lawmakers voting it down despite him ordering soldiers to storm parliament to stop them. He was impeached soon after.
Yoon was detained in a dawn raid on Wednesday in a criminal probe on insurrection charges after he refused investigators' summons and went to ground in his residence, using his presidential security detail to resist arrest.
South Korea's first sitting president to be detained, Yoon also declined to cooperate during the initial 48 hours detectives were allowed to hold him.
However, the disgraced president remains in custody after investigators requested a new warrant on Friday to extend his detention.
Yoon spoke for 40 minutes in court, the Yonhap news agency reported, with his lawyer earlier telling AFP the leader had hopes of "restoring his honour" before the judges.
The court must decide whether to free Yoon, which analysts say is unlikely, or extend his detention for around another 20 days. Its ruling is expected late on Saturday or early Sunday.
AFP journalists outside the court saw crowds of Yoon's backers waving flags and holding "release the president" placards. Yonhap said police estimated that around 12,000 supporters had rushed to the area.
- 'Passionate patriotism' -
On Friday, Yoon sent a letter through his lawyers on Friday thanking his supporters, who include evangelical Christians and right-wing YouTubers, for their protests, which he deemed "passionate patriotism".
Some protesters chanted "Cha Eun-gyeong is a commie!", referring to the judge reviewing the arrest request. Others cried "We love you, President Yoon Suk Yeol" and "Impeachment is invalid!"
They began marching while waving South Korean and American flags and took over the main roads in front of the court. Yoon's party typically favours South Korea's US security alliance and rejects engagement with the nuclear-armed North.
"The likelihood of the court approving the arrest is very high, and aware of this, Yoon has urged maximum mobilisation among his hardline supporters," Chae Jin-won of Humanitas College at Kyung Hee University told AFP.
"Today's protests serve as a sort of farewell event between Yoon and his extreme support base."
- More legal woes -
A decision by the court to approve Yoon's continued detention would give prosecutors time to formalise an indictment for insurrection, a charge for which he could be jailed for life or executed if found guilty.
Such an indictment would also mean Yoon would likely be detained for the duration of his trial.
Once "the warrant is issued this time, (Yoon) will likely be unable to return home for an extended period", political commentator Park Sang-byung told AFP.
Yoon said on Wednesday he had agreed to leave his compound to avoid "bloodshed" but that he did not accept the legality of the investigation.
He has refused to answer investigators' questions, with his legal team saying Yoon explained his position on the day he was arrested.
Yoon has also been absent from a parallel probe at the Constitutional Court, which is considering whether to uphold his impeachment.
If that court rules against him, Yoon will formally lose the presidency and elections will be called within 60 days.
He did not attend the first two hearings this week but the trial, which could last months, will continue in his absence.
cdl-jfx/ceb/pbt
South Korea's impeached president is arrested over a martial law declaration as his supporters riot
KIM TONG-HYUNG
KIM TONG-HYUNG
Sat, January 18, 2025
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early on Sunday, days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.
The decision to arrest Yoon triggered unrest at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters broke in and rioted, destroying the main door and windows. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields that they managed to wrestle away from officers. Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and glass doors. They shouted demands to see the judge who had issued the warrant, but she had already left.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed and nearly 90 protesters were arrested. Some injured police officers were seen being treated at ambulance vans. The court said it was trying to confirm whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to its facilities.
A court deliberated for 8 hours
Following eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant for Yoon, saying he was a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his lawyers on Saturday appeared before the court and argued for his release.
Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residential compound, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.
While South Korean presidents have wide-ranging immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend Yoon’s detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
Yoon’s lawyers could also file a petition to challenge the court’s arrest warrant.
Yoon’s appearance in court triggered chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his fervent supporters rallied for hours calling for his release. Even before the court issued the warrant for Yoon’s arrest, protesters repeatedly clashed with police who detained dozens of them, including about 20 who climbed over a fence in an attempt to 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-door hearing Saturday. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should be held in custody.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law.
Yoon’s lawyer decries his arrest
The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14.
His political fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon’s lawyers, called the court’s decision to issue the warrant “the epitome of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law,” maintaining Yoon's claim that his martial law decree was a legitimate act of governance. He pointed to the chaos at the Seoul Western Court and said Yoon’s arrest would inspire more anger from his supporters.
Yoon’s People Power Party regretted his arrest but also pleaded for his supporters to refrain from further violence.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative effort to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, said his arrest would be a “cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order.” Kim Sung-hoi, a party lawmaker and spokesperson, called for stern punishment of Yoon’s supporters who stormed the court.
“I urge police to firmly enforce the law so that forces supporting rebellion will never even think of causing turmoil again,” he said.
The country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, expressed “strong regret” about the violence at the court, saying it “directly undermines democracy and the rule of law.” He asked for heightened security at the sites related to Yoon’s case and measures to ensure order during protests.
Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and the presidential security service, to attend the hearing at the court ahead of its warrant decision.
The motorcade entered the court’s basement parking space as thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered in nearby streets amid a heavy police presence. Following the hearing, Yoon was transported back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. He did not speak to reporters.
After its investigators were attacked by protesters later on Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to obscure the faces of its members attending the hearing.
Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate
Yoon and his lawyers have claimed that the martial law declaration was intended as a temporary and “peaceful” warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority. Yoon says the troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate election fraud allegations, which remains unsubstantiated in South Korea.
Yoon has stressed he had no intention of stopping the functioning of the legislature. He stated that the troops were sent there to maintain order, not prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. He denied allegations that he ordered the arrests of key politicians and election officials.
Military commanders, however, have described a deliberate attempt to seize the legislature that was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped lawmakers enter the assembly, and by the troops’ reluctance or refusal to follow Yoon’s orders.
If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations now being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before trial.
If the first court convicts him and issues a prison term, Yoon would serve that sentence as the case possibly moves up to the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early on Sunday, days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.
Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.
The decision to arrest Yoon triggered unrest at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters broke in and rioted, destroying the main door and windows. They used plastic chairs, metal beams and police shields that they managed to wrestle away from officers. Some were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers, destroying furniture and glass doors. They shouted demands to see the judge who had issued the warrant, but she had already left.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed and nearly 90 protesters were arrested. Some injured police officers were seen being treated at ambulance vans. The court said it was trying to confirm whether any staff members were injured and assess the damage to its facilities.
A court deliberated for 8 hours
Following eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant for Yoon, saying he was a threat to destroy evidence. Yoon and his lawyers on Saturday appeared before the court and argued for his release.
Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residential compound, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.
While South Korean presidents have wide-ranging immunity from prosecution while in office, the protection does not extend to allegations of rebellion or treason.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend Yoon’s detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.
Yoon’s lawyers could also file a petition to challenge the court’s arrest warrant.
Yoon’s appearance in court triggered chaotic scenes in nearby streets, where thousands of his fervent supporters rallied for hours calling for his release. Even before the court issued the warrant for Yoon’s arrest, protesters repeatedly clashed with police who detained dozens of them, including about 20 who climbed over a fence in an attempt to 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-door hearing Saturday. His legal team and anti-corruption agencies presented opposing arguments about whether he should be held in custody.
Yoon’s defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders have already been arrested and indicted for their roles in the enforcement of martial law.
Yoon’s lawyer decries his arrest
The crisis began when Yoon, in an attempt to break through legislative gridlock, imposed military rule and sent troops to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers who managed to get through a blockade voted to lift the measure. The opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14.
His political fate now lies with the Constitutional Court, which is deliberating whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.
Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon’s lawyers, called the court’s decision to issue the warrant “the epitome of anti-constitutionalism and anti-rule of law,” maintaining Yoon's claim that his martial law decree was a legitimate act of governance. He pointed to the chaos at the Seoul Western Court and said Yoon’s arrest would inspire more anger from his supporters.
Yoon’s People Power Party regretted his arrest but also pleaded for his supporters to refrain from further violence.
The liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative effort to impeach Yoon on Dec. 14, said his arrest would be a “cornerstone for restoring the collapsed constitutional order.” Kim Sung-hoi, a party lawmaker and spokesperson, called for stern punishment of Yoon’s supporters who stormed the court.
“I urge police to firmly enforce the law so that forces supporting rebellion will never even think of causing turmoil again,” he said.
The country’s acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, expressed “strong regret” about the violence at the court, saying it “directly undermines democracy and the rule of law.” He asked for heightened security at the sites related to Yoon’s case and measures to ensure order during protests.
Yoon was transported to the court from a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and the presidential security service, to attend the hearing at the court ahead of its warrant decision.
The motorcade entered the court’s basement parking space as thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered in nearby streets amid a heavy police presence. Following the hearing, Yoon was transported back to the detention center, where he awaited the decision. He did not speak to reporters.
After its investigators were attacked by protesters later on Saturday, the anti-corruption agency asked media companies to obscure the faces of its members attending the hearing.
Yoon insists his martial law decree was legitimate
Yoon and his lawyers have claimed that the martial law declaration was intended as a temporary and “peaceful” warning to the liberal opposition, which he accuses of obstructing his agenda with its legislative majority. Yoon says the troops sent to the National Election Commission offices were to investigate election fraud allegations, which remains unsubstantiated in South Korea.
Yoon has stressed he had no intention of stopping the functioning of the legislature. He stated that the troops were sent there to maintain order, not prevent lawmakers from entering and voting to lift martial law. He denied allegations that he ordered the arrests of key politicians and election officials.
Military commanders, however, have described a deliberate attempt to seize the legislature that was thwarted by hundreds of civilians and legislative staff who helped lawmakers enter the assembly, and by the troops’ reluctance or refusal to follow Yoon’s orders.
If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations now being examined by investigators, they could keep him in custody for up to six months before trial.
If the first court convicts him and issues a prison term, Yoon would serve that sentence as the case possibly moves up to the Seoul High Court and Supreme Court. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion is punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Police officers stand at the Seoul Western District Court after supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol broke into the court in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. AP
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