Official announcements from the Seoul Western District Court or major news outlets such as Yonhap News Agency or BBC.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Detention Hearing at Seoul Western District Court Over Coup Allegations

Jan 18, 2025, 01:10 AM

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, arrested on charges of being the mastermind behind a coup attempt through the declaration of martial law, appeared in court for a hearing to determine his detention. The hearing, held at the Seoul Western District Court, marks the first time a sitting president has been subjected to such a process in South Korea's history. Yoon's arrest followed weeks of political turmoil, including his declaration of martial law on December 3, 2024, which led to a standoff at the National Assembly and his subsequent impeachment. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) has sought a detention warrant against Yoon, citing the severity of the alleged crimes and the risk of further offenses. Yoon's legal team has argued that the martial law declaration was within the president's constitutional rights and not an act of treason. The outcome of the hearing could determine whether Yoon remains in custody or is released, with a decision expected as early as the night of the hearing or the following morning.