A South Korean court on Friday issued a new arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, extending his detention as he faces charges stemming from an alleged 2024 attempt to impose martial law
A South Korean court on Friday issued a new arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, extending his detention as he faces charges stemming from an alleged 2024 attempt to impose martial law.
Prosecutors indicted Yoon in November on multiple counts, including aiding the enemy, accusing him of ordering drone flights over North Korea to bolster his bid to declare military rule.
The previous arrest warrant in the case was due to expire on January 18. The new order extends Yoon’s detention for up to six months, reported AFP.
“The warrant was issued under concerns he could destroy evidence,” an official from the Seoul Central District Court told AFP.
Yoon has spent months in custody as he faces multiple criminal proceedings.
He briefly suspended civilian rule on December 3, 2024, triggering widespread protests and a political standoff in the National Assembly. He was formally removed from office in April.
In January 2025, Yoon became the first sitting South Korean president to be taken into custody after weeks of resisting arrest, during which he used his presidential security detail to block law enforcement.
He was released on procedural grounds in March while his insurrection trial continued, but was re-detained in July amid concerns that he could destroy evidence.
Prosecutors are also seeking a 10-year prison sentence for Yoon on obstruction of justice charges. A Seoul court is expected to issue a verdict in that case on January 16.
With inputs from agencies
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