South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol refused questioning on Monday in an investigation into alleged insurrection. Authorities have increased security at the Seoul Detention Centre, where Yoon is held, and the Constitutional Court, which is conducting his impeachment trial. Yoon, arrested last week over his brief December 3 martial law declaration, is the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest.
On Sunday, Yoon was formally detained after a court approved his arrest, citing risks of evidence destruction. Hours later, angry supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, damaging property and overpowering police using broken barricades. Authorities plan to arrest 66 individuals involved in trespass, obstruction, and assault, with further offenders under investigation. Acting Justice Minister Kim Seok-woo assured legal action against all violators.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence and urged strict law enforcement to prevent further incidents. The protests saw hundreds of demonstrators, some using fire extinguishers, breach court security. Video footage captured intrusions into judges’ offices and live-streamed acts of vandalism, with some streamers detained during their broadcasts.
Yoon, who has repeatedly refused to cooperate with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), argues his arrest and the warrant’s jurisdiction are illegal. His lawyers challenge the CIO’s authority to lead the probe.
Insurrection, a charge exempt from presidential immunity and punishable by death, is at the center of Yoon’s case. South Korea has not carried out executions in nearly 30 years. Through his lawyers, Yoon called Sunday’s violence “shocking,” urging supporters to remain peaceful while expressing their frustrations. He requested police tolerance toward public grievances.
This unprecedented case highlights South Korea’s political and social divisions, with significant implications for its democratic processes.