South Korea Faces Political Chaos As President Yoon's Supporters Storm Court

 South Korea plunged deeper into political turmoil on Sunday as hundreds of supporters of arrested President Yoon Suk Yeol stormed a court building following an extension of his detention. The protest, marked by violence and destruction, has drawn sharp condemnation from the country’s acting leadership.

Yoon’s arrest on Wednesday made him the first sitting South Korean president to be detained. The charges stem from allegations of insurrection linked to his brief and controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, which he rescinded within hours but not before triggering a national crisis.

Court Building Stormed in Protest

Tensions erupted after the court announced its decision to extend Yoon’s detention early Sunday morning. Supporters overwhelmed riot police stationed outside the Seoul Western District Court, breaching the building and causing widespread damage.

Protesters used fire extinguishers against the police before storming inside, where they destroyed office equipment and furniture. Videos of the chaos were live-streamed by some participants, showcasing chants in support of Yoon and scenes of destruction.

Authorities regained control a few hours later, arresting 46 protesters and promising to pursue others involved. Acting President Choi Sang-mok denounced the violence as “unimaginable in a democratic society” and vowed to bolster security around public institutions.

Nine police officers were injured, and approximately 40 people suffered minor injuries during the unrest, according to emergency responders.

Legal Proceedings and Prolonged Detention

Yoon has consistently refused to cooperate with investigators. Facing a deadline to detain him, authorities sought and secured a court order on Saturday to extend his custody for up to 20 days. The judge cited concerns over potential evidence tampering as justification for the decision.

Held in a solitary cell at the Seoul Detention Centre, Yoon has resisted further questioning. His legal team has challenged the arrest’s legality, arguing jurisdictional issues and questioning the investigation’s mandate.

The crime of insurrection, for which Yoon may be charged, is one of the few offenses for which a South Korean president does not have immunity. It carries the possibility of the death penalty, although South Korea has not conducted executions in nearly three decades.

Political Fallout and Public Sentiment

The country remains deeply divided. The Constitutional Court is deliberating on whether to permanently remove Yoon from office following his impeachment by parliament on December 14. Meanwhile, Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) has expressed dismay over the court’s decision to extend his detention, calling it a “great pity.”

The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority, supported the court’s decision, describing it as a critical step toward restoring order.

Yoon’s declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment have sent his approval ratings on a tumultuous path. Initially, public support for the PPP plummeted, but it has since rebounded amid widespread discontent with the handling of the crisis. A recent Gallup Korea poll showed the PPP narrowly leading the opposition Democratic Party, 39% to 36%.

Protests and Demonstrations

Sunday saw contrasting demonstrations in the capital. Thousands gathered peacefully in support of Yoon in downtown Seoul, while anti-Yoon protests continued in other parts of the city.

As South Korea navigates this unprecedented political crisis, the nation faces significant challenges in restoring stability and public trust. The unfolding situation has underscored the deep divisions within the country and raised questions about the resilience of its democratic institutions.