Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s detained president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early Sunday after his detention was extended. The protest escalated into violence, with demonstrators smashing windows and forcing their way inside—an act the country’s acting leader described as “unimaginable.”
Yoon, who was arrested on Wednesday, is the first sitting South Korean president to face such action. He is accused of insurrection following his brief yet controversial declaration of martial law on December 3, a move that has thrown the nation into political upheaval.
The court’s decision to extend Yoon’s detention was announced around 3 a.m. local time (1800 GMT), sparking a surge of anger among his supporters. Riot police stationed outside the Seoul Western District Court were quickly overwhelmed as protesters blasted fire extinguishers at officers and stormed the premises. Inside, they vandalized furniture, office equipment, and other property, as captured in video footage.
Order was restored after several hours, with police arresting 46 individuals and pledging to identify and apprehend others involved in the attack.
“The government strongly condemns this illegal violence, which is unacceptable in a democratic society,” said acting President Choi Sang-mok in a statement. He also assured that safety measures around public gatherings would be strengthened.
Yonhap news agency reported that nine police officers were injured during the chaos. An emergency responder at the scene confirmed that around 40 people sustained minor injuries. Police have not yet commented on the condition of the injured officers.
Several participants live-streamed the incident on YouTube, showing protesters ransacking the building and chanting Yoon’s name. Some were apprehended by police during their broadcasts.
Yoon has refused to cooperate with investigators, who sought an extension of his detention on Friday as they faced a legal deadline for his custody. His arrest marks a dramatic turn in South Korea’s political landscape, deepening divisions and sparking nationwide debate.