South Korean Ex-President Yoon Rearrested Over Martial Law Coup Attempt

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was rearrested and placed in solitary confinement amid ongoing investigations into his attempted declaration of martial law in December, which triggered a major political crisis leading to his impeachment. Yoon is charged with insurrection and other offenses, including bypassing key cabinet members before imposing martial law and ordering provocative military drone flights near the North Korean border to justify his actions. He was the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested in January but was released on procedural grounds; however, his trial continues, and prosecutors argued that Yoon might destroy evidence if not detained. If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty, as insurrection is a charge from which sitting presidents have no immunity. Several senior officials from Yoon's former administration are also under investigation for related crimes, such as abuse of authority and conspiring to enact martial law. The arrest and trial mark a significant chapter in South Korea's political history, occurring amid tensions with the new administration and ongoing regional security concerns.