In a significant development, a South Korean court has extended the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol for another 20 days. The decision was made due to concerns that Yoon might attempt to destroy evidence related to his controversial martial law order from December.

Yoon, who is currently under investigation for insurrection by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), was arrested earlier this week. This new ruling includes the four days he has already spent in custody. Investigators are focusing on his attempt to impose martial law, which led to a political crisis and widespread unrest in the country.

The 64-year-old president had faced rising tensions with his security team, who initially resisted efforts to arrest him earlier this month. His supporters have been staging protests in his defense, with some turning violent. On Sunday, after the court’s decision, a group of demonstrators broke into the courthouse, causing damage to property. Police arrested several individuals, and acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the violence, pledging to increase security during future court sessions.

Yoon’s lawyer has stated that the president will not cooperate with the investigation. In contrast, Yoon himself expressed shock over the courthouse violence and urged his supporters to remain peaceful.

Yoon justified his decision to declare martial law as a way to respond to what he described as “anti-state forces” in parliament and potential threats from North Korea. However, critics argue that his actions were an extreme response to political opposition and part of an effort to consolidate power, especially amid scandals involving his wife and declining popularity.

The political crisis in South Korea continues as Yoon’s impeachment, approved by parliament, awaits confirmation from the Constitutional Court. If upheld, Yoon will be permanently removed from office. Meanwhile, protests continue, and tensions remain high between supporters and opponents of the embattled president.

In addition, the country’s parliament also impeached acting President Han Duck-soo, accusing him of obstructing Yoon’s impeachment process. This led to Choi Sang-mok stepping in as temporary leader. The investigation into Yoon’s actions will continue, with a deadline in February for investigators to decide whether to move forward with charges.