Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol returned to solitary confinement on Thursday, dressed in a khaki prison uniform and receiving basic meals, after prosecutors obtained a new detention warrant related to his attempt to impose martial law last year.
The Seoul Central District Court approved the warrant, strengthening a special counsel investigation into claims that Yoon’s December 2024 actions amounted to obstruction of justice and abuse of power. The court cited fears that Yoon might destroy evidence, leading to his return to the Seoul Detention Center, where he had previously spent 52 days before being released four months ago on technical grounds.
After his initial release, Yoon had moved back into a luxurious 164-square-metre (1,765 sq ft) apartment in an upscale Seoul neighborhood with his wife and their 11 pets. Their net worth is reportedly around 7.5 billion won ($5.47 million).
Now, Yoon finds himself in a 10-square-metre solitary cell with no air conditioning. He sleeps on a foldable mattress and wears a two-piece khaki outfit. Amid the country’s current heatwave, he must rely on a small electric fan that turns off at night, according to former detainee and opposition lawmaker Park Jie-won. On Thursday morning, detainees were served steamed potatoes and mini cheese breads for breakfast, officials reported.
Yoon, a conservative figure, faces insurrection charges tied to the martial law order — a crime that could result in life imprisonment or the death penalty. Though his trial for insurrection held a session Thursday morning, Yoon did not attend, with his lawyers citing health reasons, Yonhap News Agency reported.
Yoon was impeached in April by the Constitutional Court, which upheld parliament’s decision over his martial law attempt — a move that stunned the nation and triggered prolonged political unrest.
After Lee Jae Myung was elected president in June, a special prosecution team — now over 200 members strong — was formed to accelerate the investigation. The team is also exploring whether Yoon harmed national interests by heightening tensions with North Korea.
Deputy special counsel Park Ji-young confirmed that Yoon would be questioned on Friday. His wife and lawyers were notified of his detention through formal letters.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik emphasized that Yoon’s arrest is a step toward uncovering the truth and restoring democratic norms, posting on Facebook, “No one is above the law.”
Yoon attended the court hearing on Wednesday regarding the warrant request, appearing in a dark navy suit and red tie but refrained from speaking to the press. His lawyers insist he is innocent and criticized the detention as a rash decision in a rushed probe.
Meanwhile, over 1,000 supporters of Yoon gathered outside the court on Wednesday, waving flags and chanting his name under sweltering 35°C (95°F) heat. Prosecutors cited a potential flight risk in their warrant request, according to local media.