Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken back into custody on Thursday after a court approved a special counsel’s request for an arrest warrant tied to his attempted imposition of martial law in December 2024. The Seoul Central District Court cited concerns that Yoon may destroy evidence, strengthening the ongoing investigation into his alleged abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
Yoon now faces serious criminal charges, including insurrection, which could carry a life sentence or even the death penalty under South Korean law. He returned to the Seoul Detention Center, located about 20 kilometers south of the capital, where he previously spent 52 days earlier this year before being released on technical grounds.
The former president was impeached in April by South Korea’s Constitutional Court, following parliament’s decision to remove him from office after the martial law controversy triggered nationwide unrest. His impeachment paved the way for the election of new President Lee Jae Myung in June, who subsequently empowered a special prosecution team to intensify the investigation.
Yoon appeared in court on Wednesday wearing a navy suit and red tie but declined to speak to the press. His legal team has denied all charges and criticized the renewed detention as rushed and unjustified. Prosecutors argue Yoon poses a flight risk and could tamper with evidence.
Over 1,000 of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse, braving 35°C (95°F) heat to chant his name and wave flags, signaling deep divisions within the country’s political landscape.
The special counsel is now expected to accelerate its probe, including examining claims that Yoon endangered national security by heightening tensions with North Korea.