Ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol Rearrested in Martial Law Scandal
In a dramatic turn of events, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been arrested for a second time, reigniting the nation's political firestorm surrounding his controversial attempt to impose martial law last December. The arrest on Thursday, July 10, 2025, comes after a South Korean court approved a new warrant, sending the impeached leader back to a detention center.
Sources indicate the primary reason for this re-detention is concern that Yoon may attempt to destroy crucial evidence related to the ongoing investigation into his declaration of martial law. This follows his initial arrest in January 2025 – a historic first for a sitting South Korean president – where he spent 52 days in custody before being released in March on technical grounds, even as his trial for insurrection continued.
The December 2024 martial law attempt saw then-President Yoon Suk-yeol reportedly dispatch armed soldiers to parliament, aiming to thwart lawmakers from overturning his decree. He defended this audacious move as a necessary measure to "root out" perceived pro-North Korean and "anti-state" elements, a claim that plunged the nation into a deep political crisis.
Yoon was subsequently impeached by parliament on December 14, 2024, and formally removed from office by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He now faces a litany of grave charges, including:
Attempted rebellion/insurrection
Abuse of power
Falsifying official documents
Obstruction of official duties
Unlawfully deploying presidential security forces as a private army
Special prosecutors are spearheading the intense investigation. Yoon, who vehemently denies all charges, endured a seven-hour hearing on Wednesday, July 9. His legal team has argued against his detention, asserting that he no longer holds any authority following his impeachment.
However, the stakes remain incredibly high. If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face the most severe penalties under South Korean law, including a maximum of life in prison or even the death penalty.
Currently, Yoon Suk-yeol is being held in a solitary cell. Prosecutors have a window of up to 20 days to hold him as they meticulously prepare for his formal indictment, with the possibility of additional charges being filed. Should he be indicted, he could remain in custody for up to six months awaiting an initial court ruling.
Meanwhile, the incumbent President Lee Jae-myung, who ascended to power in a snap election following Yoon's impeachment, has already approved sweeping legislation for special investigations into Yoon's martial law debacle and other allegations, signaling a relentless pursuit of justice in this unprecedented political saga.
