South Korean investigators have asked a Seoul court to extend the detention of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to an ongoing investigation regarding his brief martial law declaration in December 2023. Arrested on January 10, 2025, Yoon is the first sitting South Korean president to be detained and is currently held at the Seoul Detention Centre.

The extension request, up to 20 days, arises from insurrection allegations.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) highlighted the seriousness of the charges.

A court hearing to evaluate the request is set for Saturday, January 20, 2025. Yoon's defense team insists he did not initiate an insurrection and refutes the charges.

On January 18, 2025, the Seoul Central District Court rejected a challenge by Yoon's lawyers concerning the legality of his arrest.

Meanwhile, his party, the People Power Party (PPP), has experienced a rise in approval ratings despite the political unrest, with recent polls indicating increased support.

Yoon's arrest has caused political divisions and spurred rallies among his supporters, although the majority of South Koreans support his impeachment.

The U.S. has voiced concerns over the political crisis, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan highlighting the risks posed by North Korea amid the unrest.

Yoon's detention follows an earlier unsuccessful attempt by investigators to arrest him on January 3, which was thwarted by his security team.

Kim Sung-hoon, acting chief of the Presidential Security Service, was detained on January 19, 2025, for obstructing the investigation.

North Korean media have reported on Yoon's arrest, referencing foreign media sources.