Early Sunday, South Korea's impeached former president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was formally arrested after a court decision, days after his dramatic apprehension at his presidential compound in Seoul. Yoon is now facing serious rebellion charges stemming from his controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, a move that plunged the nation into its most severe political crisis since the 1980s.
Yoon's arrest followed an hourlong deliberation at the Seoul Western District Court. The court granted law enforcement&rsquo;s request for an arrest warrant, citing concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence. Appearing with his legal team during a Saturday hearing, Yoon argued for his release but failed to sway the court. The decision could mean months or more in detention for the disgraced leader as investigations proceed.
Chaos at the Court
The court&rsquo;s decision sparked unrest among Yoon&rsquo;s supporters. Dozens of his backers gathered outside the court, forcibly entering its premises by breaking windows and doors with plastic chairs and commandeered police shields. Inside, the chaos intensified as some protesters threw objects and discharged fire extinguishers in a hallway.
Hundreds of police officers were deployed to control the situation. Dozens of protesters were arrested on the spot, and several police officers sustained injuries. Ambulances were seen treating the injured at the scene, though it remains unclear whether court staff were harmed during the incident.
Legal and Political Fallout
The arrest marks a turning point in Yoon's legal battle. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), leading the probe alongside police and military authorities, has 20 days to detain Yoon before transferring the case to public prosecutors for indictment. Yoon&rsquo;s lawyers are expected to challenge the arrest warrant through a petition.
Yoon&rsquo;s declaration of martial law last month had sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing him of endangering the country&rsquo;s hard-won democratic progress. The situation escalated into violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement, further destabilizing the nation&rsquo;s political climate.
Protests Intensify
Yoon&rsquo;s appearance in court prompted more chaos in the surrounding streets, as thousands of his supporters staged protests demanding his release. Demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in additional arrests. In one incident, about 20 individuals climbed over a fence attempting to storm the court premises. Vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they exited the area.
The unrest underscores the deep divisions in South Korean society following Yoon&rsquo;s impeachment and his controversial martial law declaration. The coming weeks are likely to determine not only Yoon&rsquo;s fate but also the stability of the nation&rsquo;s political landscape.

Yoon Suk Yeol, his supporters outside the court protesting his arrest

South Korea’s impeached ex-president arrested; unrest and legal battle escalate in Seoul

Arrest Ordered for South Korea’s Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol

South Korea’s impeached ex-president arrested; unrest and legal battle escalate in Seoul

January 19, 2025 | 07:08 IST