“Shocking Developments: South Korean President Yoon’s Arrest Sparks Controversy Over Martial Law Moves”

SEOUL, South Korea — The recently impeached president of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, was officially apprehended early Sunday, just days after being detained at his presidential residence in Seoul. He confronts potential incarceration due to his controversial proclamation of martial law last month.

Yoon’s apprehension may signal the start of a lengthy period of confinement for him, potentially extending over several months.

The decision to detain Yoon prompted turmoil at the Seoul Western District Court, where numerous supporters vandalized the court’s main entryway and windows. They utilized plastic chairs and police shields that they managed to wrest away from officers. Some forced their way into a hallway, throwing objects and utilizing fire extinguishers.

Hundreds of police personnel were dispatched to quell the disturbance at the court. Many individuals were apprehended on-site, while some injured officers were observed receiving care in ambulance vans. It remained unclear whether any court personnel suffered injuries.

After an hour of considerations, the court approved law enforcement’s petition for an arrest warrant against Yoon, viewing him as a risk to obliterate evidence. On Saturday, Yoon and his attorneys appeared before the court presiding judge during a hearing to advocate for his release.

Yoon, who has been in custody since his detention Wednesday during a significant law enforcement operation at his residential property, faces possible charges of rebellion concerning his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which triggered the nation’s gravest political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading a collaborative probe with the police and military, can now prolong Yoon’s detention for 20 days, during which they will submit the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Yoon’s legal team may also file a request to contest the court’s arrest warrant.

Yoon’s appearance in court incited chaotic scenes in adjacent streets, with thousands of his dedicated supporters protesting for hours demanding his release. Even prior to the court issuing a warrant for Yoon’s arrest, demonstrators continually clashed with law enforcement, detaining dozens, including about 20 who scaled a fence in an attempt to approach the court. At least two vehicles carrying anti-corruption investigators were damaged as they exited the court post-argument for Yoon’s arrest.

Yoon’s attorneys mentioned that he spoke for around 40 minutes to the judge during the nearly five-hour confidential hearing on Saturday. His legal representatives and anti-corruption agencies presented conflicting arguments regarding his continued custody. The attorneys did not disclose his specific remarks.

Following the hearing, Yoon was returned to the detention facility, awaiting the ruling. Neither Yoon nor his lawyers immediately addressed the arrest warrant.

Chaotic scenes outside the court

Yoon was transported to the courthouse from a detention center in Uiwang, in proximity to Seoul, using a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and presidential security, to participate in the hearing regarding the warrant.

The convoy entered the court’s underground parking area as thousands of Yoon’s supporters gathered in the surrounding streets despite a heavy police presence. Some demonstrators breached the police barricades and approached the windows of his van as it arrived at the court. Yoon refrained from commenting to reporters.

After their investigators faced assaults from protesters later on Saturday, the anti-corruption agency requested media outlets to obscure the identities of its members attending the hearing.

Yoon insists his martial law decree was valid

Yoon Kab-keun, one of the president’s attorneys, indicated that the president aimed to argue before the judge that his decree constituted a legitimate exercise of his authority, contending that accusations of rebellion would not withstand scrutiny in a criminal court or the Constitutional Court, which is currently assessing whether to formally remove him from office or reinstate him.

The defense minister, police chief, and several senior military officials under Yoon’s command have already been arrested and indicted for their participation in enforcing martial law.

The crisis originated when Yoon imposed military rule in an effort to resolve legislative stalemate, deploying troops to the National Assembly and electoral offices. The standoff lasted only hours after lawmakers successfully voted to rescind the measure following a blockade. The opposition-led assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14.

If prosecutors indict Yoon on charges of rebellion and abuse of power, which are the allegations currently being investigated, they could detain him for up to six months before the trial commences.

Under South Korean legislation, orchestrating a rebellion can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Yoon’s legal team has asserted that detaining him during the investigation is unnecessary, claiming he does not present a flight risk or a threat to obliterate evidence.

Investigators counter that Yoon disregarded multiple requests to appear for questioning and that the presidential security service obstructed an attempt to detain him on Jan. 3. His defiance has raised concerns regarding whether he would adhere to criminal court proceedings if he remains free.