Impeached South Korean President arrives court for arrest warrant hearing

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court for the first time on Saturday for a hearing to determine whether his detention will be extended amid an investigation into his failed attempt to impose martial law.

Yoon, who has denounced his arrest as illegal, plunged the nation into political turmoil on December 3, when he attempted to suspend civilian governance, citing threats from “anti-state elements.”

The martial law bid lasted just six hours before being rejected by lawmakers, despite Yoon ordering soldiers to storm parliament in a dramatic standoff.

Yoon arrived at Seoul Western District Court in a blue van under heavy security as his ardent supporters rallied outside, waving South Korean and American flags and demanding his release.

Some demonstrators attempted to block the vehicle carrying the embattled leader, reflecting the divisive nature of the political crisis.

A judge is reviewing a request by investigators to extend Yoon’s detention, which would allow prosecutors an additional 20 days to formalize charges, including insurrection—a crime punishable by life imprisonment or even execution under South Korean law.

A decision on the warrant is expected by Saturday night or early Sunday.

Yoon’s attempt to declare martial law was swiftly thwarted when lawmakers voted it down.

Following his impeachment by parliament, Yoon resisted arrest for weeks, barricading himself in his residence until he was detained in a dawn raid on Wednesday.

Since then, he has refused to cooperate with investigators during the initial 48-hour detention period.

His lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated that the president attended Saturday’s hearing “with the intention of restoring his honour.”

Yoon’s impeachment case is also being reviewed by the Constitutional Court, which could uphold his removal from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days.

Yoon has not participated in the impeachment hearings and has maintained his stance against the investigation.

The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has welcomed Yoon’s arrest as a step toward restoring constitutional order.

On Friday, lawmakers approved a special counsel investigation into his martial law attempt.

Impeached South Korean President arrives court for arrest warrant hearing