South Korean Court Approves Second Arrest of Impeached Ex-President Yoon

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was rearrested and taken back into custody following the Seoul Central District Court's approval of a warrant linked to his attempted imposition of martial law in December 2024. Yoon faces serious charges, including insurrection, obstruction of justice, abuse of power, forging documents, and attempting to destroy evidence, which could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. His brief martial law declaration, intended to suppress opposition lawmakers, was overturned by the National Assembly, leading to his impeachment and removal from office in April. The special prosecution, intensified after the election of new President Lee Jae Myung, is investigating additional allegations, including whether Yoon's actions harmed South Korea's national interests by escalating tensions with North Korea. Despite his lawyers' denial of the charges and claims that the detention request is unjustified, Yoon was returned to the Seoul Detention Center, where he could remain detained for months during ongoing investigations and potential indictments. Public reaction includes rallies of support for Yoon outside the court, underscoring deep political divisions in South Korea.