Protesters storm South Korea court after it extends Yoon's detention

Suspended president urges supporters to be peaceful, police to be tolerant

A general view shows damaged walls at a court after pro-Yoon supporters stormed the building following a court decision to extend impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention for up to 20 days, in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 19. (Yonhap via Reuters) © Reuters

January 19, 2025 13:27 JST

Updated on January 19, 2025 17:29 JST

SEOUL (Reuters) -- Hundreds of supporters of South Korea's arrested president, Yoon Suk Yeol, stormed a court building early on Sunday after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside, an attack the country's acting leader called "unimaginable."

Yoon on Wednesday became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faces allegations of insurrection related to his stunning, short-lived Dec. 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil.