Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was taken into custody again on July 10, just 124 days after his earlier release in March, Korea JoongAng Daily reports. His latest arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into the declaration of martial law in December 2024, with prosecutors securing a warrant in only 22 days. The special counsel leading the probe has confirmed plans to expand its focus to include charges such as foreign aggression and obstruction involving former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and other officials.

Yoon was detained at 2:07 am after a court ruled there was sufficient suspicion regarding the accusations and a potential risk of tampering with evidence. His detention followed a nearly seven-hour hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. During questioning, Judge Nam Se-jin confronted Yoon over reports that he had encouraged the use of firearms, which Yoon denied. However, testimonies from top Presidential Security Service officials appeared to contradict him.

After receiving the court’s decision, Yoon was returned to the Seoul Detention Center in Gyeonggi and placed in a 6.6-square-metre solitary cell. He no longer receives Presidential Security Service protection and is now under the jurisdiction of the corrections system. Unlike previous presidents who were given larger cells, Yoon was assigned a smaller space due to overcrowding.

He missed a court appearance scheduled for the morning of his arrest, citing health reasons. His legal team questioned the legality of being summoned so soon after his detention. Officials said he will be treated like any other suspect, though his former status will be acknowledged in a limited way.

Investigators have already detained several former military leaders linked to the probe, with suggestions that provocations against North Korea were used to justify martial law. The investigation is now accelerating, with potential raids on the Drone Operations Command and direct questioning of People Power Party members over alleged interference in repealing martial law.

This case is evolving into more than just a legal battle, it’s starting to feel like a test of South Korea’s democratic strength. If the allegations around martial law and provoking North Korea turn out to be true, it could seriously damage public confidence in the country’s highest institutions for years ahead.