Official announcements from the South Korean government

South Korea's Impeached President Yoon Contests 20-Day Detention Extension Over Martial Law Bid

Jan 18, 2025, 02:35 AM

South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol attended a court hearing on Saturday to contest a request by investigators to extend his detention. Yoon, arrested earlier this week over his failed martial law bid, made a surprise appearance at the Seoul Western District Court. The hearing, which lasted about five hours, focused on whether to issue an arrest warrant that could extend Yoon's detention for up to 20 days. Yoon's legal team argued against the warrant, asserting that the martial law declaration was a legitimate exercise of presidential authority. Meanwhile, thousands of Yoon's supporters rallied outside the court, with some clashing with police. The court is expected to issue a decision on the arrest warrant early Sunday.