Former South Korea President Yoon Re-Arrested Amid Martial Law Probe

Seoul [South Korea]: Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was re-arrested on Thursday over his failed attempt to impose martial law last year, deepening the high-profile legal battle that has plunged South Korea into a prolonged political crisis.

According to Yonhap, a Seoul court approved Yoon’s re-arrest after the special counsel cited concerns he could destroy evidence related to the ongoing probe. Yoon, 65, who was impeached in December 2024 and first arrested in January, had been released in March on technical grounds but continued to face trial.

Citing health issues, Yoon’s legal team submitted a written request just before Thursday’s hearing, stating that the former President would not attend the trial in person. He is currently being held at the Seoul Detention Centre. If convicted of insurrection, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty under South Korean law.

Martial Law Attempt and Political Turmoil

The charges stem from December 3, 2024, when Yoon attempted to subvert the civilian government by sending armed soldiers to the National Assembly, seeking to prevent lawmakers from rejecting his martial law declaration. He is accused of creating a false martial law document, having it signed by then Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun to legitimize the attempted power grab. Further allegations include:

• Ordering drone incursions into North Korean airspace last October, allegedly to provoke a response and justify martial law.

• Instructing the presidential spokesperson to release false statements denying his intentions.

• Ordering the deletion of secure phone call records used by military commanders.

• Attempting to block investigators from detaining him in early January.

Investigation Expands to Former First Lady

Meanwhile, Yoon’s wife, Kim Keon-hee, is also under investigation for stock manipulation, election interference, and bribery. Special counsel Min Joong-ki has intensified probes, including raids at the home of former prosecutor Kim Sang-min as part of allegations that the former First Lady interfered in the ruling PPP’s candidate nominations during the 2022 parliamentary by-elections and the 2024 general elections.

Reports allege that in 2024, Kim Keon-hee tried to secure nominations for preferred candidates, including attempting to place Kim Sang-min in a key district.

Snap Elections and New Administration’s Crackdown

Following snap elections in June 2025, newly elected President Lee Jae Myung approved special investigations into Yoon’s failed martial law bid and multiple criminal allegations tied to his administration and family. The special probe underscores the new government’s commitment to accountability amid rising public concern over democratic backsliding.

Ongoing Crisis and National Impact

South Korea has been grappling with political instability since Yoon’s martial law attempt, with deep divisions within the military, the National Assembly, and the public. The case has drawn widespread domestic and international attention, with analysts warning of potential security risks in the Korean Peninsula amid these political developments.

As the investigation unfolds, South Korea’s judiciary is under close watch to determine the fate of its former leader, with the outcome likely to shape the nation’s democratic trajectory for years to come.