Hundreds storm court in support of detained South Korean President Yoon

Hundreds of supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a court building following the announcement of his extended detention, Reuters reported.

This unprecedented incident, described by acting President Choi Sang-mok as “unimaginable,” resulted in chaos and property damage.

Read more: South Korean president arrested; What's next?

Yoon, who was arrested earlier in the week, is facing serious allegations of insurrection linked to his contentious declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, which has plunged the nation into political turmoil. His arrest marks a historic first, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody.

The unrest erupted shortly after the court's ruling was announced around 3:00 A.M. (GMT+9). Supporters overwhelmed riot police guarding the building, using fire extinguishers and forcing their way inside, where they vandalized office equipment and furniture.

Law enforcement regained control a few hours later, arresting 46 protesters involved in the chaos.

Acting President Choi condemned the violence, stating, “The government expresses strong regret over the illegal violence... which is unimaginable in a democratic society.”

He also indicated that security measures around public gatherings would be tightened.

Reports confirmed that nine police officers were injured in the clash, with approximately 40 individuals suffering minor injuries, according to emergency responders. Some protesters broadcasted the incident live on YouTube, capturing the destruction and chanting Yoon’s name.

In response to concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence, investigators requested an extension of his detention after he declined to cooperate with questioning. A judge subsequently granted a new warrant, allowing for up to 20 additional days of custody. South Korean law mandates that suspects in detention undergo physical examinations, have mugshots taken, and wear prison uniforms.

Currently held in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Centre, Yoon's legal team claims that his arrest was illegal due to improper issuance of the warrant and jurisdictional issues. The potential charge of insurrection carries severe consequences, including the death penalty, although South Korea has not executed anyone in nearly 30 years.

Through his lawyers, Yoon expressed dismay over the violent incident at the court and called for peaceful expressions of support from his followers. They relayed his sentiments, stating, “The president said... he wouldn't give up and would correct the wrong, even if it took time,” acknowledging the “rage and unfairness” felt by many of his supporters.

Simultaneously, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on Yoon's potential removal from office following his impeachment by parliament on Dec. 14, 2024. On the same day, approximately a thousand supporters marched toward the Constitutional Court, resulting in three arrests, including one individual who attempted to scale the court's wall.

Read more: South Korea's President Yoon impeached over martial law bid

Political reactions to the events have been mixed. Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) lamented the court’s decision to extend his detention as a “great pity,” questioning the implications of detaining a sitting president. In contrast, the main opposition Democratic Party welcomed the decision as a “cornerstone” for restoring order, cautioning that the “riots” instigated by “far-right” groups could exacerbate the national crisis.

Despite the fallout from Yoon's brief martial law declaration, which he rescinded shortly after facing a unanimous rejection in parliament, his party’s support has seen a resurgence. A recent Gallup Korea poll indicated that the PPP now leads the opposition Democratic Party, garnering 39 percent support compared to 36 percent.