Lawyers representing impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to secure his release on Thursday, January 16, following his detention over allegations of rebellion linked to his martial law declaration last month.
Yoon was detained at his residence and transferred to a detention centre near Seoul after more than 10 hours of questioning on January 15 by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials. During the interrogation, Yoon exercised his right to remain silent and refused further questioning on Thursday, with his legal team insisting the investigation was unlawful.
The lawyers petitioned the Seoul Central District Court to overturn the detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court. However, the Central District Court rejected their request late Thursday night.
Yoon had previously ignored multiple summonses from the anti-corruption agency. Authorities eventually conducted a large-scale operation involving hundreds of officers to detain him at his Seoul residence. Investigators now have 48 hours to decide whether to seek a formal arrest warrant or release him.
The anti-corruption agency, in coordination with the police and military, is investigating whether Yoon’s martial law declaration constituted attempted rebellion. Meanwhile, Yoon’s lawyers filed complaints on Thursday, claiming the raid at the presidential residence was illegal. Due to security concerns, Yoon did not attend a court hearing reviewing his detention.
The situation has drawn widespread public attention, with hundreds of Yoon’s supporters rallying outside the court and detention centre, demanding his release.
The crisis began on December 3 when Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops to block the National Assembly in an attempt to break legislative gridlock. The standoff ended within hours as lawmakers breached the blockade and voted to overturn the measure.
On December 14, the opposition-controlled assembly impeached Yoon, accusing him of rebellion, which suspended his presidential powers. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.
In a video statement recorded before his detention, Yoon criticised the investigation, claiming the “rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.” He argued that the anti-corruption agency lacked the authority to probe his actions but agreed to his detention to avoid potential violence.
If indicted on rebellion and abuse of power charges, Yoon could remain in custody until a court ruling, which typically takes up to six months. If convicted of leading a rebellion, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under South Korean law.
