South Korea's Ex‑President hit with second arrest warrant: Details

South Korea's special prosecutor, who is investigating the imposition of martial law last year, requested an arrest warrant for Yoon Suk Yeol on July 6. The special prosecutor sought the warrant based on five key charges.

What former President is accused of

Among the charges are violations of the rights of cabinet members before the imposition of martial law. Yoon Suk Yeol is also accused of falsifying documents and spreading false information about the state of emergency. The defense has denied the allegations.

The judge decided to approve the request for an arrest warrant, explaining that the former President could destroy evidence related to the case. Yoon Suk Yeol was taken to the Seoul detention center, where he will await the court's next decision.

Crisis in South Korea

On December 3, 2024, President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in the country. He cited the need to protect the constitutional order and claimed that the dominance of opposition forces in parliament, who were showing sympathy toward North Korea and blocking the government's work, posed a threat.

At the same time, Yoon ordered the military to surround the country's parliament and prevent lawmakers from overturning the martial law decree. However, the military was unable to carry out the order due to protests at the entrance to the parliament building.

Overall, martial law remained in effect for about six hours. After the failed attempt, the President revoked the order and issued a public apology.

Investigators managed to detain the Head of State only on their second attempt, as his security detail initially prevented law enforcement officers from entering his residence.

In March, a Seoul court released Yoon Suk Yeol from custody but continued to review the case on charges of an attempted coup. Later, the Constitutional Court ruled that the President's December decree was illegal, thereby supporting his impeachment.