Ex-South Korean President Reincarcerated Amid Investigation into Martial Law Imposition Attempt

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been taken back into custody following a court’s approval of a warrant requested by prosecutors. This development is part of an investigation centered on Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law last year.

The Seoul Central District Court’s ruling strengthens the special counsel’s investigation into allegations of obstruction of justice and abuse of power tied to Yoon’s actions in December. The court expressed concerns that Yoon might attempt to destroy evidence, leading to the approval of the detention warrant.

Currently, the former president faces serious charges of insurrection regarding his martial law decree. If convicted, he could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon returned to the Seoul Detention Center, located around 20 kilometers south of the capital, following the court decision. He previously served 52 days in jail earlier this year but had been released four months ago due to technicalities.

In April, the Constitutional Court removed him from his presidential position, upholding the impeachment initiated by parliament over the martial law attempt, which sparked considerable political strife in South Korea. The newly established special prosecution team has been investigating Yoon since the election of Lee Jae Myung in June, expanding the scope of charges against him.

This includes looking into whether Yoon exacerbated tensions with North Korea, potentially harming South Korea’s interests. During the court hearing preceding his detention, Yoon appeared dressed in a dark navy suit and a red tie but refrained from commenting to the press.

His legal team has denied all allegations and criticized the detention request as an unreasonable action amid a rushed investigation. Meanwhile, over 1,000 supporters gathered outside the court, demonstrating their support for Yoon despite the sweltering heat.

Prosecutors have cited Yoon as a flight risk in their warrant application.