On July 9, South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol was rearrested over his failed attempt to impose martial law last year, a move that plunged the country into political turmoil. A Seoul court issued the new arrest warrant, citing concerns that Yoon might destroy evidence as he awaits trial.
Yoon faces serious charges, including leading an insurrection and violating the rights of cabinet members by excluding them from key meetings leading up to the martial law order. Now detained at the Seoul Detention Center, he could face life in prison or even the death penalty if convicted.
The crisis began on December 3, 2024, when President Yoon abruptly declared martial law during a period of declining public support. Justifying the decision with unsubstantiated claims that pro-North Korea “anti-government” groups were threatening national security, Yoon bypassed several cabinet members in a secretive emergency meeting. His actions sparked mass protests and fierce opposition from lawmakers, eventually leading to his impeachment in April 2025.
Click through to learn more about this unprecedented political drama that has shaken one of Asia’s most prominent democracies.