South Korean court extends detention of Yoon, supporters protest

A South Korean court issued a detention warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol early on Sunday morning over his failed martial law attempt, extending his detention period to up to 20 days, including the arrest period.

On Saturday, Yoon appeared at Seoul Western District Court to attend a detention necessity hearing on whether to be kept in custody for up to 20 days.

After being questioned by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for the initial 10 days, Yoon will be interrogated by the prosecution for the remaining 10 days before being indicted as the two sides agreed to jointly investigate Yoon on an insurrection charge.

Shortly after the court's decision was announced around 3 a.m. (1800 GMT) on Sunday, his supporters swarmed the building, overwhelming riot police trying to keep them at bay.

Footage showed protestors blasting fire extinguishers at lines of police guarding the front entrance, before they flooded inside, destroying office equipment and furniture.

Police, who restored order a few hours later, said they had so far arrested 46 protesters.

"We will track down till the end more of those who committed illegal acts or instigated and assisted," the Seoul Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

There were around 40 minor injuries sustained during the chaos but no serious injuries reported, an emergency responder near the court said.

Yoon was arrested in the presidential residence on Wednesday, becoming the country's first sitting president to be arrested.

After the approval of the warrant, some of Yoon's supporters protesting outside the court climbed over the court's rear fence and threw stones to shatter windows. In response, a significant police force was deployed to disperse the protesters.

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(With input from agencies)