Court approves arrest warrant for President Yoon over martial law case
A court issued a warrant on Jan. 19 to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for leading an unconstitutional martial law bid in Dec., marking the first detention of a sitting Korean president. The Seoul Western District Court cited concerns over evidence tampering, referencing Yoon’s alleged use of military and police forces to block the National Assembly, detain key figures, and disrupt constitutional order. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which charged Yoon with insurrection and abuse of authority, argued he might repeat such actions if his impeachment trial fails. Yoon, accused of evidence tampering, had refused multiple summons and invoked his right to remain silent during questioning. Following the court’s decision, Yoon will be detained at the Seoul Detention Center, undergoing standard admission procedures, including a medical check and mugshot.
Seoul Court stormed by Yoon supporters after arrest warrant issued
In the early hours of Jan. 19, chaos erupted at the Seoul Western District Court as supporters of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol stormed the premises following news of his arrest warrant. Protesters smashed windows, breached barricades, and vandalized property, with some entering the court building and damaging offices while searching for Senior Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who was not present. Clashes with police led to 86 arrests over two days, including 46 during the Jan. 19 incident and 40 the previous day for trespassing and assaults. Riot squads and over 1,400 officers were deployed to regain control by 5 a.m., though injuries were reported on both sides, and tensions remained high outside the court.
