Dozens of Yoon's young die-hard supporters to face arrest after violent court intrusion

On the afternoon of January 19 after President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on charges of being the mastermind behind a rebellion some of his supporters broke into the Seoul Western District Court causing an illegal violent incident The interior of the court was damaged — One of the offices at the Seoul Western District Court is filled with debris after an intrusion by protesters on Jan. 19, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, January 20 (AJP) - Over half of the protesters who were arrested for storming a court in Seoul on Sunday were mostly young die-hard supporters of President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to police authorities.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) said on Monday that 46 of the 90 protesters, who caused a violent disturbance to prevent Yoon's arrest over his martial law debacle last month, were those in their 20s and 30s, making up about 51 percent.

Police detained them over the weekend for illegally intruding into the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo as well as the Constitutional Court of Korea in Jongno, central Seoul, which has been deliberating Yoon's impeachment trial.

They were accused of damaging public property, vandalizing vehicles and other items, attempting to identify a judge who issued an arrest warrant for Yoon with the intent to assault, and obstructing law enforcement.

Those arrested also include about a dozen protesters facing additional charges such as assaulting police officers. Among them, five had already undergone questioning before their arrest warrants were issued.

Repair work is underway at the Seoul Western District Court after protesters shattered windows on January 19 2025 Yonhap — Repair work is underway at the Seoul Western District Court after an intrusion by protesters on Jan. 19, 2025. Yonhap

Authorities are working closely to identify those who may have incited or aided Sunday's intrusions. "We are thoroughly reviewing all available evidence to identify all the offenders and will hold them accountable," said an SMPA spokesperson.

Last month's abrupt declaration of martial law made Yoon the first sitting president in South Korea to be arrested. His arrest warrant was issued by the Seoul Western District Court on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, citing concerns about evidence tampering.

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com

Dozens of Yoon's young die-hard supporters to face arrest after violent court intrusion

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