Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has been rearrested over his failed attempt to impose martial law in December 2024, an action that led to his impeachment and a major political crisis.
The arrest was ordered on Wednesday by a judge at the Central District Court in Seoul, who said there were concerns that Yoon might interfere with the investigation by destroying evidence.
He was taken to the Seoul Detention Center following a seven-hour court session where he denied all charges through his legal team.
Yoon is facing trial for leading an alleged insurrection after ordering a six-hour military takeover late last year.
According to reports, one of the charges is that he bypassed key cabinet members when making the decision to declare martial law.
Prosecutors also accused him of ordering military drones to fly near North Korea, allegedly to provoke a response that would justify the imposition of martial law.
If convicted, Yoon could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
He was first arrested in January after resisting authorities, who had to break through barricades at his residence in central Seoul.
That arrest was later overturned on procedural grounds in March, but the charges remained.
Several top officials from his administration are also under investigation for their roles in the martial law declaration, facing charges that include abuse of power and insurrection.
Yoon lost his position after being impeached in April.
The country held a snap election in June, which brought in a new president, Lee Jae-myung.
Lee promised to defend democratic values and launched a special team to investigate Yoon’s actions and other related allegations.