South Korea’s Impeached President Appears In Court To Contest Detention Extension

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attended court on Saturday to challenge a request by investigators to extend his detention amid ongoing investigations into his failed martial law declaration.

Yoon’s detention follows a dramatic turn of events after he declared martial law on December 3, 2024, a move that lasted only six hours and was promptly voted down by lawmakers. Yoon had attempted to suspend civilian rule by ordering soldiers to storm parliament, which led to his impeachment.

On Wednesday, Yoon was arrested in a dawn raid by investigators probing insurrection charges, after he had evaded a summons and resisted arrest using his presidential security detail. He became the first sitting president in South Korea’s history to be detained. Yoon, who initially refused to cooperate with investigators, remains in custody after a request was made to extend his detention.

Following a five-hour hearing on Saturday, Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, informed the media that his client had answered the questions posed by investigators regarding the case. The court is expected to rule on whether to release Yoon or extend his detention by an additional 20 days.

Outside the court, thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered, waving flags and chanting slogans in his favor. Clashes between protesters and police led to the arrest of 16 individuals attempting to force their way into the courthouse. The protests have been described as an expression of “passionate patriotism” by Yoon, who thanked his supporters in a letter sent through his lawyers.

Protesters, many of whom are right-wing and evangelical Christians, have rallied behind Yoon, with some chanting against the judge presiding over the case and voicing support for the suspended president.

Political analysts suggest that the likelihood of the court approving the detention extension is high. “Yoon has urged maximum mobilisation among his hardline supporters,” said Chae Jin-won, a professor at Kyung Hee University. Despite the possibility of continued detention, the crisis surrounding Yoon has strengthened the conservative People Power Party (PPP), which he led to victory in the 2022 presidential election. A recent Gallup survey showed an increase in support for the PPP.

If Yoon’s detention is extended, prosecutors will have time to formalize an indictment for insurrection, a charge that could carry a life sentence or even the death penalty if he is convicted. Additionally, Yoon could remain detained throughout the trial, which may last for several months.

Meanwhile, Yoon’s impeachment is still under review by the Constitutional Court, with a decision expected soon. If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will formally lose the presidency and a new election will be held within 60 days. Yoon has not attended the hearings for his impeachment, and the trial will proceed in his absence.