Violence Erupts in South Korea After Court Extends President Yoon’s Custody

Last updated on January 20th, 2025 at 12:53 pm

Following the extension imprisonment, hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s imprisoned president, Yoon Suk Yeol, broke into a court building early on Sunday smashing windows and breaking in, an act that the country’s acting leader described as “unimaginable.”

As a result of his shocking brief proclamation of martial law on December 3 that has thrown the nation into political crisis, Yoon became the first sitting president of South Korea to be detained on Wednesday. He is accused of insurrection.

His supporters stormed the building shortly after the court’s ruling was made public yesterday at around three in the morning local time on Sunday overwhelming riot police who were attempting to contain them.

According to video, protesters destroyed office supplies, fixtures and furnishings after hurling fire extinguishers into police lines stationed at the front entrance and flooding the interior.

After restoring order a few hours later, police reported that they had taken 46 protestors into custody and promised to find the other participants.

The commotion injured nine police officers. According to an emergency responder near the Seoul Western District Court about 40 people were hurt.