Skip to main content
Donate to the 95 years appeal
Former South Korean president rearrested
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (centre) arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, July 9, 2025

A TOP South Korean court approved the rearrest of right-wing former president Yoon Suk Yeol today on charges related to his brief imposition of martial law in December.

The warrant issued by the Seoul Central District Court sent Mr Yoon back to a detention centre near the capital Seoul, four months after his release in March, when the same court overturned his January arrest and allowed him to stand trial for rebellion without being held in custody.

On Wednesday,  Mr Yoon attended a hearing at the court to review the special prosecutor's request. Afterwards, he was taken to the detention centre to await the court’s decision.

The former president’s new arrest could mark the beginning of an extended period in custody, potentially lasting months or longer. 

He described his martial law imposition on December 3 as a necessary step to quash his “anti-state” liberal opponents, accusing them of using their legislative majority to obstruct his agenda.

Mr Yoon was impeached by legislators on December 14 and charged by public prosecutors on January 26.

His alleged offences, including obstructing official duties, abuse of power and falsifying official documents, are punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (centre) arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, July 9, 2025
South Korea / 9 July 2025
9 July 2025
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol greets his su
World / 9 March 2025
9 March 2025
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
World / 2 January 2025
2 January 2025
Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team warns police officers that civilians could arrest them if they attempt to detain him