On the 19th, as an arrest warrant was issued for President Yoon Suk-yeol, major foreign media outlets such as CNN and The New York Times (NYT) reported it immediately. In particular, these outlets focused on Yoon's imprisonment, noting that he is the first sitting president in the history of the Republic of Korea to be incarcerated.
NYT reported in an article titled "Bread, soup, soy milk: Life of the South Korean leader in prison" that "Yoon Suk-yeol lived in a luxurious mansion on a hill as the president of South Korea, held parties, and had a small personal security detail," adding, "Now, he is locked alone in a 3-pyeong prison, eating simple meals like noodles and kimchi soup and sleeping on the floor."
Furthermore, NYT noted, "Yoon Suk-yeol enjoyed holding parties as president and often invited like-minded politicians to dinner gatherings, and even cooked and served rolled omelette and barbecue to the presidential press corps," adding, "Now, Yoon Suk-yeol will wake up not to a chef catering to his demands but to a simple prison breakfast consisting of dumpling soup, bread, or cereal. The average expense for a meal in prison is $1.20."
It also stated, "The dramatic political upheaval he caused seems to have surprised him as much as the ordinary South Koreans did," and added that "Yoon Suk-yeol said in a lengthy statement released on the 15th, 'Ironically, I realized I was actually the president only after I was impeached.'"
NYT reported, "He will experience this new reality for the time being following the issuance of an arrest warrant on the morning of the 19th for charges of rebellion as part of an investigation into his declaration of martial law," adding, "Yoon Suk-yeol's new situation symbolizes his dramatic downfall. He has gone from head of state to an impeached president and is now a detainee charged with one of the worst crimes under South Korean law."
CNN described the situation: "President Yoon will remain at Seoul Correctional Institution, where he will be investigated in custody for up to 20 days, including the period of his arrest, citing concerns about the destruction of evidence in the criminal investigation regarding the brief declaration of martial law in early December." CNN added, "According to South Korean regulations, individuals who are detained under an arrest warrant must undergo a physical examination, have their mugshots taken, and wear prison uniforms," explaining Yoon's changed status.
CNN and the Associated Press (AP) also focused on the protests by supporters of President Yoon. CNN, citing Yonhap News Agency, reported that "some supporters of President Yoon stormed the courthouse around 3 a.m. local time upon hearing news of the extension of his detention, damaging court property and assaulting police officers while shouting the president's name," adding, "Live television showed large police forces suppressing the protesters inside the building."
AP also reported, "The decision to arrest President Yoon sparked a riot outside the Seoul Western District Court, where dozens of supporters destroyed the court's front doors and windows," noting, "They used plastic chairs and police shields seized from the police. Some were seen entering the building, throwing objects and using fire extinguishers." It continued, "Hundreds of police officers were deployed to quell the riot at the court," stating, "Dozens were arrested on the scene, and some injured officers were seen receiving treatment in ambulances. It remains unclear if any court staff were injured."