Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol made his first court appearance on Saturday to attend a hearing that will determine whether his detention should be extended as investigators probe his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
Yoon, who has deemed his arrest illegal, sparked national turmoil on December 3 when he sought to suspend civilian rule, citing the need to combat what he described as “anti-state elements.” His martial law bid lasted a mere six hours, thwarted by lawmakers who voted against it, despite Yoon’s order for soldiers to storm parliament to halt the proceedings.
Supporters of Yoon flocked to the court building on Saturday, attempting to surround the blue van transporting the suspended leader, as reported by AFP. Yoon, South Korea’s first sitting president to be detained, resisted arrest for weeks, remaining in his guarded residence until a dramatic dawn raid led to his detention on Wednesday.
At the Seoul Western District Court, a judge was set to review a request from investigators to extend Yoon’s detention, which could add another 20 days to his custody while prosecutors prepare formal charges. If the extension is granted, it would allow the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) to continue probing Yoon for insurrection—a charge that carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even execution.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Yoon has refused to cooperate with investigators during the initial 48 hours of his detention, asserting that he does not accept the legality of the investigation. His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated that the president would attend the hearing “with the intention of restoring his honour.”
Outside the court, Yoon’s supporters displayed South Korean and American flags, demanding the judges dismiss the extension request. The court had closed its entrance to the public on Friday evening, citing safety concerns.
As Yoon faces increasing pressure, the opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has celebrated his arrest as a significant step toward restoring constitutional order. A bill was passed late Friday to initiate a special counsel investigation into Yoon’s failed martial law attempt, further complicating his already precarious situation.
The Constitutional Court is also deliberating whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, with a ruling against him resulting in the loss of his presidency and the calling of new elections within 60 days. While Yoon missed earlier hearings this week, the trial is expected to continue in his absence and could last for several months as legal battles unfold.
