Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been rearrested, facing new criminal charges in connection with his previous attempts to declare martial law, as investigations intensify around his controversial past actions.
South Korea's Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Again Amid Expanding Criminal Investigation
South Korea's Former President Yoon Suk Yeol Arrested Again Amid Expanding Criminal Investigation
Ousted leader faces renewed legal troubles as special counsel broadens the inquiry into his controversial martial law declaration.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been arrested for a second time, following allegations from a special prosecutor who has expanded the investigation into his martial law declaration last year. On Thursday, Yoon was ordered back to jail just days after appearing in a Seoul court to face an arrest warrant. The impeachment of Yoon took place in December 2024 after his controversial attempt to impose martial law, leading to his initial arrest in January 2025.
In a notable first for South Korea, Yoon became the first president to be indicted on criminal charges while still holding office. His ongoing legal battles have drawn considerable public attention, especially as he was recently released in March due to procedural errors made by prosecutors regarding his detention. The court invalidated his detention but not the charges against him.
Yoon's formal removal from office was confirmed in April 2025 when the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. Since his initial release, he had been attending his insurrection trial freely, often seen wandering in the capital’s southern district. Meanwhile, several of his associates, including former military and police leaders, remain in custody, charged with aiding his insurrection efforts.
As investigations continue, South Korea grapples with the fallout of Yoon's presidency, marked by unprecedented legal issues that have left a significant impact on the country's political landscape.
In a notable first for South Korea, Yoon became the first president to be indicted on criminal charges while still holding office. His ongoing legal battles have drawn considerable public attention, especially as he was recently released in March due to procedural errors made by prosecutors regarding his detention. The court invalidated his detention but not the charges against him.
Yoon's formal removal from office was confirmed in April 2025 when the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. Since his initial release, he had been attending his insurrection trial freely, often seen wandering in the capital’s southern district. Meanwhile, several of his associates, including former military and police leaders, remain in custody, charged with aiding his insurrection efforts.
As investigations continue, South Korea grapples with the fallout of Yoon's presidency, marked by unprecedented legal issues that have left a significant impact on the country's political landscape.
