The streets of Seoul erupted in protest early Sunday morning after a judge from the Seoul Western District Court extended the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol for up to 20 days.
The decision, based on concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence if released, has further polarised a nation already grappling with political turmoil.
The court’s ruling comes after Yoon’s arrest on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his declaration of martial law on December 3. Yoon justified the measure as necessary to counter “anti-state forces,” but the move was swiftly overturned and triggered his impeachment by the National Assembly on December 14.
The detention extension sparked outrage among Yoon’s supporters, who view the charges against him as politically motivated and a deliberate attack by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. A huge crowd of protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting “President Yoon! President Yoon!” as tensions boiled over.
Amid the uproar, demonstrators stormed the courthouse. Police have since secured the area.
Despite multiple police attempts to arrest him earlier in January, Yoon voluntarily surrendered last Wednesday, seeking to prevent violent clashes between law enforcement and his supporters. His security team had previously thwarted attempts to take him into custody, with hundreds of supporters encircling his residence to protect him.
In a message to his supporters earlier this month, Yoon defended his actions, calling his decision to impose martial law an “act of governance” aimed at addressing legislative paralysis and opposition attempts to derail his administration. “I will fight alongside you to the very end to protect this nation,” Yoon declared.
Yoon’s detention has sparked a wave of public outrage, with critics accusing the judicial system of acting as a puppet of the Democratic Party. Many supporters have taken to social media to share footage of police misconduct during protests, claiming excessive force was used against demonstrators, including vulnerable individuals.
One widely circulated post accused the police of being infiltrated by foreign influence, alleging a troubling exchange agreement between South Korean and Chinese police forces.
Yoon’s presidential powers remain suspended while the Constitutional Court deliberates on his impeachment, a decision expected within 180 days. For many, Yoon’s detention represents not just a legal battle but a larger ideological clash over South Korea’s future direction.
자유민주화 세력의 등장 pic.twitter.com/C02e0fq37C
— Paul Sungwon Kim (@paulswpkim) January 18, 2025
Daegu City, Korea. They support President Yoon, oppose Lee Jae-myung & his party & their tyranny https://t.co/jIlOalDcM8
— Tara O (@DrTaraO) January 18, 2025
The infiltrated police in South Korea. They’re throwing down, pushing down, & stepping on people. Also, carrying, then kneeing a pregnant woman on her stomach. No name tags.
The police do have an exchange agreement with the Chinese Communist Party’s police. pic.twitter.com/K2A0F4lqMo— Tara O (@DrTaraO) January 18, 2025
