Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived at the Seoul Western District Court on Saturday for a hearing that will determine whether his detention will be extended. Yoon’s presence in court marks a significant development in the investigation into his failed martial law bid on December 3, which threw the nation into chaos.
Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the court building, waving South Korean and American flags and demanding that the judges dismiss the request to extend the president’s detention. The court had closed its entrance to the public on Friday evening, citing safety concerns.
The hearing, scheduled for 2:00 pm (0500 GMT), will review the request for a new warrant to extend Yoon’s detention. If approved, the warrant would likely extend his detention by 20 days, giving prosecutors time to formalize an indictment.
Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated that the president would attend the hearing “with the intention of restoring his honor.” However, Yoon has refused to cooperate with investigators, citing the illegality of his arrest.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is probing Yoon for insurrection, a charge that could result in life imprisonment or execution if found guilty. The Constitutional Court is also holding a parallel probe to determine whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment. If the court rules against Yoon, he will lose the presidency, and elections will be called within 60 days.
Parliament has passed a bill to launch a special counsel probe into Yoon’s failed martial law bid, marking another challenge against the embattled leader. The Democratic Party has celebrated Yoon’s arrest, calling it “the first step” to restoring constitutional and legal order.
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