Windows and walls of the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District are damaged due to violent protests by President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters, who stormed into the court early Sunday following the court's decision to issue an arrest warrant against him. Yonhap

An unprecedented act of mob violence by President Yoon Suk Yeol's staunch supporters at a Seoul court, in protest of his formal arrest, sparked widespread condemnation from both political and judicial circles, Sunday.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok ordered a thorough police investigation into the "unlawful violent incident," while prosecutors established a task force to address what they have called "a very serious crime that fundamentally undermines the judicial system."

Dozens of pro-Yoon protesters stormed the Seoul Western District Court in the early morning hours, violently protesting a judge's decision to issue an arrest warrant for the embattled president who is facing treason charges related to his martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024.

The protesters, who had gathered near the court in the hours leading up to the announcement, stormed into the building at around 3 a.m., just minutes after the warrant was issued. Footage captured by YouTubers and media outlets showed chaos as the angry protesters climbed over the court walls, smashed windows and doors and threw fire extinguishers, causing extensive damage inside the compound.

A police officer guards the Seoul Western District Court compound, Sunday morning, hours after a violent protest by President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters. Yonhap

The mob also attacked vehicles carrying investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), who had requested the warrant, and hurled insults at the judge who approved it.

Around 1,400 officers, including riot police in full gear, were deployed to the site and forced the protesters out of the compound about three hours later. Nine officers were injuried, five of whom were seriously hurt, according to the police.

A total of 87 individuals linked to the incident were apprehended and all are currently under investigation at 18 different police stations across Seoul.

Additionally, the police have placed Judge Cha Eun-kyung, who issued the warrant, under protection and are investigating murder threats against her circulating online.

The judiciary strongly condemned the mob violence, calling it "a complete denial" of the rule of law.

"I feel devastated," Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, told reporters during his visit to the court after the violence subsided. He said the protesters damaged not just the lobby but also to the upper floors where court employees work.

Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, speaks to reporters during his visit to the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District, Sunday. Yonhap

"I have served as a judge for 30 years, but I never predicted such an unprecedented situation. This is a complete denial of the rule of law and, from a criminal perspective, a serious offense," he added.

The acting president also condemned the incident.

"We express strong regret over the occurrence of an unlawful and violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court, something that is unimaginable in a democratic society," Choi was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Choi directed the police to "conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and hold those responsible accountable based on law and principle."

President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters clash with police near the back gate of the Seoul Western District Court, early Sunday, as they try to storm into the building to protest the issuance of a warrant to arrest Yoon. Yonhap

The Supreme Prosecutors' Office said it has launched an investigation team consisting of nine prosecutors for a swift probe.

"This is a very serious crime that fundamentally denies the rule of law and the judicial system. We have instructed the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office to form a dedicated team to respond strictly," the office said in a statement. "The team will work closely with the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including the detainment of all major protestors."

The detained protesters could face severe consequences for their violence against the court, a constitutional institution.

Riot charges may apply if they are found to have engaged in organized violent actions. Under the criminal law, those convicted of riot could face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 15 million won ($10,280).

Additional charges may include obstruction of official duties, as the demonstrators physically clashed with police officers. The fact that the clashes resulted in injuries to some officers could lead to aggravated penalties. Other allegations could also include unlawful entry into a state facility and vandalism of public property.

Lee Ho-young, acting commissioner of the National Police Agency, said the investigation could extend to far-right YouTubers if they are suspected of inciting the violence. These YouTubers, who take part in pro-Yoon rallies, have faced growing scrutiny for profiting from a donation system in exchange for provocative actions and rhetoric.

President Yoon Suk Yeol is taken to the Seoul Detention Center after being questioned over his short-lived imposition of martial law at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, Wednesday. Joint Press Corps

Later in the day, Yoon's supporters marched to the Constitutional Court in Jongno District, central Seoul, where the president being tried in an impeachment case over his martial law declaration. The protesters held a rally at the site, calling for Yoon's immediate release.

According to police, three men were apprehended near the Constitutional Court on charges of trespassing and obstructing official duties. One of the individuals was reportedly carrying a crowbar.

Meanwhile, Yoon, who is now under formal arrest at a detention facilty, asked his supporters to express their views in a "peaceful manner."

"I fully understand the frustration and anger of the many citizens, but I ask them you to express their views peacefully," he said in a statement delivered by his lawyers.

However, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) accused Yoon of being the main culprit behind the riot, criticizing that he incited his supporters to engage in violent actions due to his continued uncooperative stance with the court's decision and the ongoing investigation.

"Yoon is fundamentally responsible for this entire incident," DPK floor leader Rep. Park Chan-dae said. "Instead of apologizing and reflecting on his martial law declaration, he has been making absurd claims and inciting violence among his supporters."

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) expressed regret over the court's decision to place the president under arrest, but distanced itself from the violent protesters.

"Violence helps no one. It is not in support of the president," Rep. Kwon Yeong-se, the party's interim leader, said.

The interior of the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District is seen severely damaged, Sunday, following violent protests by President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters, who were angered by the court's decision to issue a warrant to arrest the embattled leader. Yonhap