President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was arrested on charges of leading a rebellion, issued a statement through his legal team on the 19th, expressing regret over the intrusion incident that occurred at the Seoul Western District Court early that morning and urging supporters to express their opinions peacefully. He also noted regarding the police, "I hope they will resolve the situation with a tolerant attitude."
The legal team disclosed President Yoon's statement that day. President Yoon said, "Although the declaration of martial law was solely to prevent the collapse of the constitutional order of the Republic of Korea and to normalize the functions of the state during what equated to a national emergency, it is regrettable that this legitimate purpose has not been communicated properly."
Director General Cha Eun-kyung of the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon at around 2:50 a.m. that day, citing "concerns that the suspect might destroy evidence." This marks the first instance of a sitting president being arrested in constitutional history.
As news of President Yoon's arrest broke, some supporters gathered near the Western District Court and illegally entered the courthouse, causing a disturbance. The legal team reported that President Yoon was "greatly shocked and saddened" upon hearing this.
President Yoon said, "It pains me to hear that many young people are included in this group," and added, "Attempting to resolve this through physical means could cause substantial harm not only nationally but also to individuals." He continued, "While I fully understand the sense of injustice and anger of many citizens who kept their posts until dawn, I ask that they express their opinions peacefully," and said, "I hope the police will handle the situation with a tolerant attitude rather than a hardline response."
Regarding the declaration of martial law on Dec. 3, he stated, "I will do my best to clarify the purpose and legitimacy of the martial law in the judicial process," adding, "Even if it takes time, I will not give up and will correct the wrongs."