Investigators File Request to Extend Yoon's Detention

Request Made Due to 'Gravity of the Crime,' as President Again Refuses to Be Questioned

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SEOUL - South Korean investigators probing President Yoon Suk Yeol for alleged insurrection asked a Seoul court on Jan 17 to extend his detention as the embattled leader again refused to be questioned.

On Jan 15, Mr. Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested, over a probe into whether he committed insurrection when he briefly imposed martial law in early December 2024. He is being held at the Seoul Detention Centre.

In order to hold Mr. Yoon in custody for longer, investigators at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) that is leading the inquiry need to request a court to approve a detention warrant for up to 20 days.

A CIO official told a briefing on Jan 17 that investigators had made the request due to "the gravity of the crime." The Seoul Western District Court will review the request on the afternoon of Jan 18, Yonhap News Agency reported.

In a statement disseminated by his lawyer, Mr. Yoon said the jail cell where he is being held was "a little uncomfortable," but that he was doing well.

He also thanked his supporters, hundreds of whom gathered outside the prison in chilly conditions, saying: "I am grateful for the people's burning patriotism."

The Seoul Central District Court struck down a challenge on Jan 16 from Mr. Yoon's lawyers over the legality of his arrest.