Impeached South Korean President Appeals for Release as Court Considers Formal Arrest Request

South Korea's impeached president, Yoon, appeared before a Seoul judge on Saturday. The court was reviewing a request for his formal arrest. His presence sparked chaos outside the Seoul Western District Court, where thousands of supporters gathered, demanding his release. Clashes with police led to around 40 arrests, including 20 protesters who attempted to breach the court's perimeter.

Yoon has been detained since Wednesday following a large-scale operation at his home. He faces potential rebellion charges related to his martial law declaration on December 3. This event triggered South Korea's most significant political crisis since the late 1980s. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, in collaboration with police and military, sought a warrant for Yoon's formal arrest.

Yoon's Legal Battle and Supporters' Protests

During a nearly five-hour closed-door hearing, Yoon spoke for about 40 minutes to the judge. His legal team argued against his detention, while anti-corruption agencies presented their case for it. The judge is expected to decide by late Saturday or early Sunday. If arrested, Yoon could be held for up to 20 days before prosecutors take over.

If the court denies the request, Yoon will be released and return home. His motorcade was seen leaving the court Saturday evening heading back to the detention centre. Meanwhile, outside the court, chaotic scenes unfolded as Yoon arrived in a blue Justice Ministry van escorted by police and security services.

Legal Arguments and Potential Consequences

Yoon's defence argues that his martial law decree was a legitimate use of power. They claim rebellion accusations would not stand in criminal or constitutional courts. Nine officials, including Yoon's defence minister and police chief, have already been arrested for enforcing martial law.

The crisis began when Yoon imposed military rule to overcome legislative gridlock. Troops were sent to the National Assembly and election offices. The standoff ended after lawmakers voted to lift martial law. On December 14, the opposition-led assembly impeached him.

If formally arrested, Yoon could face months in custody. Prosecutors may indict him on rebellion and abuse of power charges, potentially keeping him detained for up to six months before trial. Under South Korean law, orchestrating a rebellion can lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Concerns Over Compliance with Legal Proceedings

Yoon's lawyers argue there's no need for detention as he poses no flight risk or threat of evidence destruction. Investigators counter that he ignored multiple requests for questioning and resisted arrest attempts on January 3 with help from presidential security.

This defiance raises concerns about his compliance with court proceedings if not detained. The anti-corruption agency requested media companies blur investigators' faces after they were attacked by protesters outside the court.

It was uncertain until Saturday morning whether Yoon would attend the hearing. However, he accepted his legal team's advice to appear personally before the judge, according to lawyer Yoon Kab-keun.