At least 17 people were arrested while attempting to enter the Western District Court in Seoul during a rally in support of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol. The protesters, demanding his release, climbed over the courthouse fence but were detained by authorities. A crowd of 12,000 gathered out

At least 17 individuals were detained while attempting to enter the Western District Court without authorization, where a hearing was being held to determine whether to extend the detention of South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol, according to Yonhap news agency.

Around 5:30 p.m. local time, a man climbed over the courthouse fence and was immediately apprehended. The individual was calling for the president’s release. Shortly after, 16 more people climbed the fence and were also detained. These individuals are believed to be supporters of the president.

Outside the courthouse, a rally of around 12,000 people was taking place, with participants demanding the president's release.

The hearing regarding the potential extension of Yoon Seok-yeol's detention began at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time. Based on previous similar hearings for former presidents, it is expected that the proceedings may continue late into the night.

On January 15, President Yoon Seok-yeol became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. The arrest warrant was issued after he failed to attend questioning on three separate occasions. South Korean law permits the prosecution of a sitting president on charges of rebellion and treason. Yoon is suspected of playing a role in organizing an uprising as a leader of a conspiracy during martial law. On December 14, the South Korean parliament voted to remove him from office due to his involvement in the martial law events. However, his powers are considered suspended until the Constitutional Court makes a final ruling on the matter.

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