South Korean President Yoon Appears in Court for the First Time

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached earlier, appeared in court for the first time on Saturday. He is facing a crucial hearing to determine whether his detention will be extended as investigators probe his failed attempt to impose martial law. Yoon, who claims his arrest was unlawful, sparked nationwide turmoil on December 3 when he tried to suspend civilian rule, citing the need to combat “anti-state elements.”

AFP reporters witnessed Yoon’s fervent supporters gathering outside the courthouse, some even attempting to surround the blue van transporting the suspended leader. His martial law attempt, which lasted just six hours, was rejected by lawmakers, while the president ordered military forces to intervene in parliament. This led to Yoon’s impeachment, and he resisted arrest for weeks, hiding in a safe house, before being captured in a dawn raid on Wednesday. He became the first South Korean president to be detained.

Despite being in custody, Yoon initially refused to cooperate with investigators during the first 48 hours of his detention. However, the former president remains behind bars after prosecutors requested a new warrant to extend his detention. On Friday, a judge at the Seoul Western District Court decided to hold a hearing at 2:00 p.m. (0500 GMT), with a ruling expected later that evening or Sunday morning.

Ahead of the hearing, Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-kyun, told AFP that the president would attend with the intention of showing respect to the court. If the new warrant is approved, Yoon’s detention will be extended by 20 days, allowing prosecutors time to formalize the charges. Yoon is under investigation for rebellion, a charge that could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty if he is convicted.