Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was re-arrested on Wednesday in connection with a failed martial law bid last year that pushed the nation into political crisis. The arrest follows an earlier detention in January, when investigators stormed his residence after a prolonged standoff. That arrest was later overturned on technical grounds, but Yoon still faces multiple criminal charges.

A Seoul Central District Court judge issued the new arrest warrant citing concerns that Yoon may destroy evidence. The former president is now being held at Seoul Detention Center following a seven-hour court hearing.

Yoon was impeached in April after it was revealed he had imposed six hours of military rule in December 2024 without full cabinet consent. Prosecutors accuse him of violating the rights of cabinet members by excluding several from a key meeting ahead of the declaration.

According to South Korean media, investigators also uncovered evidence that Yoon ordered surveillance drone flights over North Korea to provoke a military response—potentially justifying the martial law move.

Yoon faces five major charges, including insurrection and abuse of authority. Under South Korean law, insurrection is one of the few crimes for which even sitting presidents do not enjoy immunity. With his removal from office, Yoon is now vulnerable to additional charges.

Newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, who came to power after a June snap election, has vowed to restore democratic norms. He appointed a special counsel to investigate Yoon’s administration and oversee accountability for the martial law crisis.

Several other senior officials in Yoon’s government are also facing legal action in connection with the attempted power grab.