Foreign Correspondent in Korea Criticizes Yoon Supporters as "Irrational Violent Forces"

Expressing Concerns Over Reporting Safety

After President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on charges of 'rebellion,' some supporters stormed the Seoul Western District Court, causing a violent incident, prompting a foreign journalist based in Korea to voice concerns.

After President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on charges of being the leader of a rebellion, some of his supporters broke into the Seoul Western District Court, causing an illegal violent incident. On the afternoon of the 19th, the exterior walls and glass windows of the Western District Court building were damaged. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 19th, Rafael Rashid, a British freelance journalist, shared a news video of the Seoul Western District Court intrusion incident that occurred early that morning on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as "Sickening violence from the pro-Yoon thugs."

Raphael Rashid X (X, formerly Twitter)

Rashid further stated, "Over many years of covering protests in Korea, I have rarely felt physically threatened," but added, "However, the blind rage of Yoon's supporters is genuinely frightening. These aren't protesters: they're violent thugs who've lost all sense of reason." Rashid contributes as a freelance journalist domestically to prominent outlets such as The Guardian in the UK and The New York Times in the US.

Other foreign media also classified the incident as a 'riot' and reported it urgently. The Associated Press reported, "After the decision to detain Yoon Suk-yeol, dozens of supporters broke in and caused a riot, destroying the main gate and windows," adding, "They used plastic chairs and police shields to engage in physical confrontations with officers. Some injured police officers were seen receiving treatment in ambulances."

The Asahi Shimbun also reported, "When the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol was issued, supporters stormed the court, breaking glass and escalating into a riot," noting, "Some supporters still remain near the scene, directing critical remarks at the police and reporters."

Meanwhile, on the same day, President Yoon's legal team issued a statement saying, "The President was greatly shocked and saddened upon hearing about the situation that occurred early this morning at the Western District Court," and added, "While the President fully understands the feelings of injustice and anger of the many citizens who stayed until dawn, he urged them to express their opinions peacefully and expressed hope that the police would resolve the situation amicably with a tolerant attitude rather than a harsh response." Furthermore, "The President stated that he will do his best in the judicial process to clarify the purpose and legitimacy of the declaration of martial law and that, even if it takes time, he will not give up and will correct the wrongs."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.