Last week, Mr Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested as he faced charges of rebellion over his shock declaration of martial law on December 3.

Immediately after the court ruling was announced at around 3 a.m. local time on Sunday, his supporters stormed the building, overwhelming riot police who tried to stop them.

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Footage showed protesters spraying police officers guarding the main entrance with fire extinguishers before storming inside, destroying furniture and computers. Police arrested 46 protesters and restored order a few hours later, local media reported, citing police.

South Korean investigators, who must apply to extend Yoon's detention or release the impeached president within 48 hours, asked a Seoul court on Friday to detain him longer after he refused to answer questions.

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After a five-hour hearing on Saturday attended by Mr Yoon, the Seoul Western District Court decided to approve the investigators' request due to "concerns that the suspect might destroy evidence", the court said in a statement.

Under the new order, Yoon could be detained for up to 20 days. South Korean regulations require suspects detained under the order to undergo a health check, have their photo taken and wear a prison uniform.

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In addition to the ruling that led to a formal criminal investigation into Mr. Yoon, the Constitutional Court is weighing whether to uphold the impeachment and permanently remove him from office or restore him to power.

The leader is expected to remain in solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Center. Seok Dong-hyeon, one of Yoon's lawyers, said the court's decision was "really puzzling" but asked for calm.

Mr Yoon's ruling People's Power Party criticised the court's decision. "There is a question as to whether the consequences of arresting a sitting president were adequately considered," the party said in a statement.

The main opposition Democratic Party called the court's approval of the arrest warrant "a cornerstone for rebuilding the collapsed constitutional order."

Rebellion, the crime for which Mr Yoon could be charged, is one of the few crimes for which a South Korean president cannot be pardoned and carries a maximum penalty of death. However, South Korea has not executed anyone in nearly 30 years.

Hoang Huy (according to Yonhap, KOT, Reuters)