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.