South Korean court orders formal arrest of impeached President Yoon over martial law decree

Mr. Yoon's arrest sparks chaos and unrest, facing potential rebellion charges and possible life imprisonment or death penalty.

South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was formally arrested early on Sunday (January 19, 2025), days after being apprehended at his presidential compound in Seoul. He faces possible imprisonment over his ill-fated declaration of martial law last month.

Mr. Yoon’s arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, lasting months or more.

The decision to arrest Mr. Yoon triggered unrest at the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of his supporters destroyed the court’s main door and windows. They used plastic chairs and police shields that they managed to wrestle away from officers. Some got inside the building and were seen throwing objects and using fire extinguishers.

Hundreds of police officers were deployed to suppress the riot at the court. Nearly 90 protesters were arrested onsite, while some injured police officers were seen being treated at ambulance vans. It wasn’t immediately clear whether any court staff were injured.

Following eight hours of deliberation, the court granted law enforcement’s request for an arrest warrant for Mr. Yoon, saying he was a threat to destroy evidence. Mr. Yoon and his lawyers on Saturday appeared before the court and argued for his release.

Mr. Yoon, who has been in detention since he was apprehended Wednesday in a massive law enforcement operation at his residential compound, faces potential rebellion charges linked to his declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, which set off the country’s most serious political crisis since its democratization in the late 1980s.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and the military, can now extend Mr. Yoon’s detention to 20 days, during which they will transfer the case to public prosecutors for indictment.