Many supporters of South Korea’s embattled president, Yoon Suk Yeol, early on Sunday stormed a court building after his detention was extended, smashing windows and breaking inside, an attack the country’s acting leader called unimaginable.
It should be recalled that 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 December 3 declaration of martial law that has plunged the country into political turmoil.
Shortly after the court announced its decision around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, Yoon’s supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay.
Protesters blasted fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, then flooded inside, destroying office equipment, fittings, and furniture, footage showed.
Meanwhile, the police restored order a few hours later, saying they had arrested 46 protesters and vowing to track down others involved.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, in a statement, said the government expressed strong regret over the illegal violence, which he said is unimaginable in a democratic society.
He added that the authorities would step up safety measures around gatherings.
It was gathered that nine police officers were injured in the chaos, while about 40 people suffered minor injuries.
