TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared at the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, for a hearing to determine whether he would be detained on five charges linked to the failed attempt to declare a military emergency at the end of 2024.
The session followed the submission of a detention warrant by special prosecutor Cho Eun-suk. According to Yonhap, Yoon arrived at the courthouse but did not respond to questions from the press.
Charges of Forgery and Evidence Tampering
One of the accusations claims that Yoon created fake documents announcing a military emergency after December 3, 2024. The document was reportedly signed by then Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun before it was later discarded.
Yoon is also accused of directing the presidential spokesperson for foreign media to issue false statements denying his intent to disrupt the constitutional order by declaring a military emergency.
In addition, he allegedly ordered the Presidential Security Service to block his arrest in early January 2025. He is also suspected of instructing aides to delete call records from secure phones used by three military commanders. Yoon’s team has denied all the allegations.
The court is expected to decide on the detention warrant by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
While waiting for the ruling, Yoon is being held at the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, located south of the capital. If the court approves the detention request, it would mark Yoon’s second time in custody. He was previously detained in January 2025 while still serving as president.
Protests Outside the Courthouse
Tensions rose around the courthouse hours before the hearing began. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, opposing groups held simultaneous demonstrations.
Roughly 100 members of a conservative group gathered in front of the Jeonggok Building. They waved Korean and American flags, wore red headbands with the phrase “Arrest Lee Jae Myung,” and played a video of Yoon’s military emergency declaration on a large screen. Behind the stage, a large banner read, “Mr. President, we will protect you to the end.”
On the other side of the street, YouTubers held their own protest. When Yoon’s voice came over the loudspeakers, they shouted “Nonsense!” and taunted Yoon’s supporters with chants like, “It’s hot — go to jail instead.”
To prevent violence, police set up iron barricades and deployed 2,700 officers from 45 riot squads. This was an increase from the initial deployment plan of 2,000 officers. Authorities said the additional security was necessary to avoid a repeat of the unrest seen during Yoon’s previous detention hearing in January.
Editor's Choice: Former South Korean President Yoon Faces Re-Arrest Over Coup Allegations
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Taiwan Kicks off Largest Military Drills to Counter China's Invasion Threat
4 jam lalu
Taiwan kicks off its military drills on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, to counter China's invasion threat
Russia Casts Doubt on Transparency of US Military Aid to Ukraine
6 jam lalu
Russia says it needs time to identify the type and quantity of additional weapons the U.S. plans to send to Ukraine.
South Korea to Distribute Cash Aid to Citizens in Effort to Boost Economy
3 hari lalu
South Korea's Cabinet has approved an additional budget of about Rp 378.5 trillion for direct cash assistance.
Deputy House Speaker Floats Military Diplomacy with Myanmar to Free Detained Citizen
5 hari lalu
The military diplomacy with the Myanmar junta will not involve deploying armed forces.
Indonesian Pilot Completes Test Flight of South Korea's KF-21 Fighter Aircraft
5 hari lalu
The test flight for the collaborative project between Indonesia and South Korea was carried out on Friday, June 27, 2025.
China Unveils Mosquito-Sized Robot for Military Use
7 hari lalu
The Chinese military is developing a nearly invisible, mosquito-sized robot for military operations.
Israeli Military Probes War Crimes Over Gaza Shooting
10 hari lalu
The Israeli forces are reported to have deliberately shot Palestinian civilians near the US aid distribution site in Gaza.
Former South Korean President Yoon Faces Re-Arrest Over Coup Allegations
11 hari lalu
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol faced a new summons and the risk of re-arrest as the military law investigation deepened.
10 World's Top Family-Friendly Airports According to Skytrax
12 hari lalu
These family-friendly airports around the world redefine what it means to travel with comfort and joy.
BTS Net Worth: How Much Each Global K-Pop Idol Member Really Earns
12 hari lalu
Among the buzzing noises of the Kings of K-pop's comeback dates, discussions about BTS' net worth consistently capture public attention.
