South Korea Seeks Extended Detention of President Yoon Amid Ongoing Investigations

South Korea's special investigative headquarters approached the Seoul Central District Court with a request to extend President Yoon Suk-yeol's detention until February 6, aiming to continue their investigation into the case. This request was made just four hours after a similar extension request was denied, as the prosecution insists on the need for further inquiry into Yoon’s conduct, particularly after his repeated refusal to be interviewed by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

The case against the president has gained significant traction, with the state anti-corruption agency having referred it to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on Thursday. The court was expected to deliver another decision on the extension later on Saturday. If the court denies the extension once more, the prosecution is anticipated to formally indict Yoon on charges that include insurrection and other serious offenses.

The legal proceedings mark a historic moment in South Korea, as a warrant for detention had already been issued by another Seoul court on January 19, allowing President Yoon to be held for up to 20 days. Yoon, the first sitting president to be formally arrested, was taken into custody at the presidential office on January 15. The political and legal drama deepened further when the National Assembly passed a motion to impeach Yoon on December 14 last year, a process that has temporarily suspended his presidential power pending a constitutional court deliberation.

Adding to the turbulence in political affairs, President Yoon was named by investigative bodies as a suspected leader in an insurrection case. This accusation followed his controversial declaration of martial law on the night of December 3, a decision that was reversed by the National Assembly mere hours later.