South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol rearrested

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.

Martial law imposed

On December 3, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced a turning point in his failing political term. With an approval rating of less than 20%, Yeol implemented martial law based on what appear to be baseless claims that 'anti-government' movements supporting North Korea were threatening the nation. Protests erupted, while opposition parties moved to shut down the president's decision.

Outraged citizens

Outraged South Korean citizens held protests, rallies, and candle-lit vigils across the country after the president's sudden enactment of martial law.

Act of "insanity"

According to CNN interviews conducted among the different rallies, people expressed "embarrassment" of the president's decision, with some calling the move an act of "insanity."

What does martial law actually mean?

Martial law is the temporary shelving of civil rights, including press freedom and protest and assembly, as well as restraining the freedom of the press and assembly and temporarily limiting the function of different government agencies and even courts.

No evidence of claims

Yoon made the decision as part of a strategy to rid the nation of 'anti-state' movements that he claims were supporting North Korea, though he offered no evidence of such.

Thousands of protestors

Immediately following the decision, thousands of protestors gathered outside parliament in opposition to the enactment of martial law, while opposition leaders scrambled to bring Yoon’s decision to a halt.

Unanimously shut down

Although martial law lasted merely six hours in the country after parliament unanimously shut down the measure, the backlash has proven to be detrimental to South Korea’s leader.

Frustration

Parliament, which was largely comprised of opposition parties, had frustrated Yoon, as he was largely unable to transition his policies into law.

Public called to protest

Opposition leaders called on the public to protest this dangerous move: "Tanks, armored personnel carriers and soldiers with guns and knives will rule the country... My fellow citizens, please come to the National Assembly.”

"We won!"

Following the lift of the measure, protesters gathered outside the parliament, clapping and shouting, “We won!”

The aftermath

Yoon remained holed up inside the fortified presidential residence surrounded by his security staff for weeks after the impeachment. He refused to comply with multiple requests to appear before the Corruption Investigation Office, which was investigating charges against him. The charges include leading an insurrection, which can carry a sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Yoon is finally detained

An even greater and more organized police force returned to the residence on January 15 and successfully infiltrated his home, at which time he was taken into custody. Yoon has continuously declared his innocence and claims that the investigations into him are illegal. 

Legal proceedings begin

On February 20, Yoon was taken from the Seoul Detention Center to attend his first trial hearing. The prosecutors urged the court to make the proceedings swift given the gravity of the situation, while Yoon's lawyers asked the judge to release him from detention while he awaits trial. On the same day, Yoon appeared before the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment.

Removed from office

On April 4, South Korea’s Constitutional Court officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol, finalizing his impeachment four months after he declared martial law. The court condemned his actions as unconstitutional, with judges calling them a “grave betrayal of the people’s trust.” With his removal confirmed, South Korea moved toward a new presidential election. On June 3, Lee Jae-myung was elected South Korea's new president.

Chilling past

The implementation of martial law is a chilling reminder of South Korea’s violent past, specifically the Gwangju Uprising in 1980, which left hundreds, including many students, dead.

Corruption

Abuse of power and corruption have flooded the country’s political leadership for decades, with various investigations of former leaders for stock price manipulation and accepting bribes, among other measures.

Relief

A White House spokesperson expressed relief on the reversal of the Yoon’s implementation of martial law, and “respected the National Assembly’s vote to end it.”

Common enemy

The United States remains concerned over political instability in their ally nation, particularly given any perceived political advantages for their common ‘enemy,’ North Korea.

Parliamentary defeat

The downfall of Yoon comes months after his political party suffered defeat in its parliamentary election, leading to opposition parties garnering two-thirds of parliamentary seats.

Concerns

The Brunswick Group, a think tank in Washington, D.C., expressed concern over current perceptions of South Korea "at a time when an aggressive China and overall retrenchment from democracy globally are big concerns for US national security."

Setback

International media agrees that Yoon’s impulsive move was likely a setback for one of the strongest democratic countries in the Asian-Pacific region.