South Korea: the impeached president Yoon has his detention extended

The warrant — and Yoon’s subsequent refusal to comply with investigators — is the latest development in a saga that has left South Korea reeling from a political crisis.

The warrant was issued around 03:00 local time (18:00 GMT on Saturday).

The suspended president is being investigated by the Corruption Investigation Office for High Officials (CIO) on allegations of rebellion in the failed martial law order on December 3 that led to the country’s unrest.

He has been impeached by parliament and suspended – but will only be removed from office if the constitutional court upholds the impeachment.

Investigators​​​​now have 20 days – including the four days Yoon already spent in custody after his arrest – to bring the president to trial.

After his detention was extended, Yoon’s lawyer, Yun Gap-geun, told Yonhap News Agency that the president would refuse to be questioned by the CIO.

Pro-Yoon supporters rallied outside the courthouse in the lead up to the decision, with many entering the building after the judge issued the extension.

Journalists at the scene reported seeing dozens of people arrested by police after the incident.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed “strong regret” over the violence, “which is unimaginable in a democratic society”, adding that authorities will increase security in future appearances.