South Korean court extends president's arrest over concerns he will 'destroy evidence'

A South Korean court on Sunday approved an extension of the jail term of deposed President Yoon Suk Yeol, saying there were “concerns” that Yoon could “suppress evidence” in a criminal investigation related to his temporary declaration of martial law in early December.

Last Wednesday, Yoon became the first South Korean president to be imprisoned. Investigators investigating Yoon on treason charges asked a Seoul court on Friday to extend his detention after he refused to be questioned.

The Seoul Western District Court said it approved the arrest warrant requested by the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO).

The reason for approving this request was “concern that the suspect may destroy the evidence,” said the court's statement.

Under the new warrant, Yoon could be jailed for up to 20 days. He is being held at the Seoul Detention Center.

So far, Yoon has stopped the CIO's attempts to interrogate him, refusing to attend the questions. It was unclear whether he would cooperate with investigators while in custody.