Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday as judges considered a special prosecutor’s request to detain him over his failed attempt to impose martial law last December, according to Reuters.
The hearing, conducted amid tight security and sweltering 35°C (95°F) heat, could determine whether Yoon will be jailed pending trial on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
The special prosecution team argued that Yoon poses a flight risk and could tamper with witnesses if released, according to local media reports. Prosecutors are also investigating whether he deliberately escalated tensions with North Korea to damage South Korea’s interests. If detained, Yoon will be held at the Seoul Detention Center, where he awaited the court’s decision following Wednesday’s hearing.
Yoon remained silent as he entered the courthouse, ignoring reporters’ questions. Outside, about 100 supporters chanted “President Yoon” and “Yoon Again”, waving flags in a show of loyalty despite his dramatic fall from power. Police deployed dozens of buses and officers to maintain order around the court and Yoon’s residence.
The former president was removed from office in April after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment over the martial law decree, which sparked nationwide protests and deepened political divisions. He is already on trial for insurrection for allegedly attempting to seize unchecked power through military rule.
The investigation intensified since liberal President Lee Jae Myung took office in June, with prosecutors now examining additional allegations. These include claims that Yoon ordered presidential guards to block his arrest in January, an incident that further eroded public trust in his administration.
Yoon’s legal team dismissed all charges, calling the detention request “unreasonable” and arguing that the prosecution lacks objective evidence. The court is expected to rule late Wednesday or early Thursday.
If detained, Yoon would return to the same prison where he spent 52 days earlier this year before being released on technical grounds.
