Supporters of South Korean President Yoon riot at court - local media strongly condemns the riot as a ”denial of democracy”

When an arrest warrant for South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol was issued by a court in the early hours of the 19th of this month, Yoon's supporters rioted at the court in protest, drawing strong criticism.
Major South Korean newspapers have taken up the case, calling it "tantamount to a direct denial of liberal democracy" (JoongAng Ilbo) and calling for severe punishment for those involved.
Yoon declared "emergency martial law" late at night on the 3rd of last month. Emergency martial law is a type of martial law stipulated in the Korean Constitution. It is used in times of war, civil unrest, and other emergencies when it is necessary for military purposes or for public safety.
Martial law is issued by the president to maintain order. It was the first time that martial law had been issued since democratization in 1987. However, martial law can be lifted only if a majority of members of the National Assembly request it.
Immediately after the declaration, a plenary session of the National Assembly was held, and all members in attendance voted in favor of lifting the state of emergency. Yoon lifted the state of emergency after just six hours.
The declaration of emergency martial law has caused great political and social unrest, and the opposition party has accused Yoon of instigating a civil war.
The investigation has been carried out by a joint investigation headquarters of the independent investigative agency, the Agency for Investigation of Crimes by High-Ranking Public Officials (PAPC), and the police, and the headquarters arrested Yoon on the 15th of this month.
Furthermore, on the 17th, the Joint Investigation Headquarters requested an arrest warrant for Yoon at the Seoul Western District Court on suspicion of masterminding a civil unrest.
The Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant at around 2:50 a.m. on the 19th, and Yoon was arrested. The court explained that the reason for issuing the warrant was that there was a risk of evidence being destroyed.
When the arrest warrant was issued, some of Yoon's supporters became enraged and stormed into the Seoul Western District Court. They destroyed the court's exterior walls and windows, and assaulted police officers and reporters.
About 40 police officers and others were reportedly injured. Police arrested 90 people ranging in age from their teens to their 70s. Some YouTubers also live streamed the riots. Most of the people arrested were in their 20s and 30s.
Some believe that young people were led by the Stream, which has been a social networking site for over 100 years. The police plan to investigate these Streamers as well.
"I have been a judge for 30 years and never thought something like this would happen," he said during a visit to the Western District Court in Seoul.
"This is a direct attack on democracy and the rule of law," he said, calling on the police to investigate the incident thoroughly and to hold those responsible legally accountable.
Major Korean newspapers also criticized the incident in editorials. The JoongAng Ilbo wrote, "The intrusion and rioting at the courthouse are a complete denial of the rule of law.
"It is an act that is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated," he said. "It is heartbreaking that a situation similar to that seen in developing countries where democracy and the rule of law have not yet taken root has occurred in the Republic of Korea in 2025."
The paper also criticized, "It is extremely regrettable that some politicians have not restrained the violent protests, but rather have incited them."
The Dong-A Ilbo said, "It is unbelievable and shocking that this happened in the heart of the capital of an exemplary emerging democratic nation," and "The person who caused the disturbance in the courthouse
"Not only the instigators, but also those who incited violence must be thoroughly investigated and severely punished," the Hankyoreh said, adding, "They are not just being slanderous because they don't like the court's decision."
The use of violence against women is an act that completely destroys the rule of law and democracy that underpins Korean society, and is antisocial. In order to support society, it must never be tolerated."
"After the '3rd Civil War,' Korean society is at a crossroads," he warned. According to Yoon's legal team, Yoon also said of the riot, "We fully understand the feelings of indignation and anger, but we want to express our views in a peaceful way."
Regarding this statement, the Dong-A Ilbo pointed out, "It is President Yoon who should feel the greatest responsibility for the violence caused by his supporters."
"When President Yoon was 'barricaded' in the official residence, he was criticized for inciting protests against his arrest by calling his supporters 'patriotic citizens' and 'passionate patriotism.' Despite this, on the same day (19th) in the afternoon,
In a statement, he said, "We want people to express their views in a peaceful way," and called on the police to "take a more tolerant stance rather than a heavy-handed response."
It was also directed at Yoon.