Sat Jan 18 20:07:23 UTC 2025: ## South Korean President Arrested, Supporters Riot After Court Extends Detention
**SEOUL, South Korea** – South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested early Sunday morning, marking the first time a sitting president has faced such action in the country’s history. A Seoul court granted an arrest warrant, citing concerns that President Yoon might destroy evidence related to allegations of insurrection. The decision followed a Saturday hearing where President Yoon and his lawyers argued for his release.
The court extended his detention for up to 20 days, sparking immediate and violent protests. Hundreds of the President’s supporters stormed the court building, smashing windows, vandalizing property, and clashing with riot police. Footage shows protesters using fire extinguishers against police before overwhelming security and flooding the building’s interior.
The charges against President Yoon stem from his controversial December 3rd declaration of martial law, a move that was swiftly rescinded but plunged the nation into deep political turmoil. The declaration led to his impeachment on December 14th, suspending his presidential powers. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, leading the investigation alongside police and the military, will now have 20 days to prepare the case for indictment.
President Yoon’s lawyers condemned the arrest as an invalid criminal probe and vowed to challenge the warrant. They also described the violence at the courthouse as unfortunate. His People Power Party (PPP) expressed regret over the decision, questioning whether the ramifications of detaining a sitting president were adequately considered. Conversely, the main opposition Democratic Party hailed the arrest warrant as crucial for restoring order and criticized the riots as a deepening of the national crisis. President Yoon remains in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Centre.
First Piper 