'Supporters Storm Court' Yoon Seok-yeol Urges in Prison Statement "Please Express Opinions Peacefully"

"I Will Do My Best to Clarify the Legitimacy of Martial Law"

President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was detained on charges of being the 'leader of a rebellion,' delivered a statement from prison urging supporters who stormed the Seoul Western District Court to express their opinions through peaceful means.

On the 19th, President Yoon's legal team stated in a release, "The President expressed regret that the declaration of martial law, which was intended solely to prevent the collapse of the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea and to normalize state functions amid a national emergency-level political chaos, has not been properly communicated."

They continued, "The President was greatly shocked and saddened upon hearing about the incident that occurred early this morning at the Western District Court," adding, "He was especially heartbroken to learn that many young people were involved and expressed concern that resolving the situation through physical means could cause significant harm both nationally and personally."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is arriving at the Gwacheon Corruption Investigation Office building on the 15th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

Furthermore, "The President fully understands the feelings of injustice and anger of the many citizens who stayed until dawn but urged them to express their opinions peacefully. He also expressed hope that the police would handle the situation amicably with a tolerant attitude rather than a harsh response," the statement said. "The President pledged to do his best in the judicial process to clarify the purpose and legitimacy of the martial law declaration and stated that he will not give up and will correct the wrongs, even if it takes time."

The police have detained a total of 87 people involved in the illegal assembly at the Western District Court over the two days of the 18th and 19th and are currently investigating. Upon news of the issuance of the arrest warrant for President Yoon, some supporters climbed over the court fence, damaged the exterior walls of the building, and threw stones to break windows, causing a disturbance.