South Korea’s political climate has taken another dramatic turn as former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces arrest warrant in South Korea over his alleged involvement in a failed attempt to impose martial law. Prosecutors claim that Yoon and several of his former aides secretly planned to enforce military control in late 2024 — a move that, if proven true, could be one of the most serious challenges to South Korea’s democracy in decades.
The investigation, led by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk, has already seen the arrests of top officials, including a former prime minister and the chief of the National Intelligence Service. As the South Korea martial law probe continues, the nation watches closely to see whether Yoon himself will be detained — a development that could reshape the country’s political future.
Let’s explore how this high-profile case unfolded and why it’s shaking South Korea’s political system like never before.
Background: The Martial Law Controversy
The controversy dates back to December 2024, when Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly planned to impose martial law to maintain political control amid growing unrest and opposition.
Prosecutors claim that Yoon’s administration prepared secret documents, legal drafts, and operational plans outlining how government agencies and law enforcement would assist in enforcing martial law.
When evidence of these plans surfaced in early 2025, it triggered one of the largest political investigations in modern Korean history.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Outcome / Significance |
| Dec 3, 2024 | Reports emerge that then-President Yoon Suk Yeol considered declaring martial law. | Raised national alarm over potential abuse of power. |
| Jan 2025 | Parliament forms a Special Counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, to investigate. | Official probe into Yoon’s actions begins. |
| Oct 15, 2025 | Court rejects Park Sung-jae’s first arrest warrant, citing insufficient evidence. | Temporary relief for Park; investigation continues. |
| Nov 11, 2025 | Prosecutors reapply for Park’s arrest after discovering new evidence. | They seize Park’s phone and digital files from the Justice Ministry. |
| Nov 12, 2025 | Ex-PM Hwang Kyo-ahn and Ex-NIS Chief Cho Tae-yong arrested. | Major breakthrough — two top allies detained. |
| Nov 13, 2025 | Park Sung-jae attends second hearing at Seoul Central District Court. | Court reviewing new evidence, including internal documents justifying martial law. |
What Investigators Found
After Park’s first warrant was dismissed, prosecutors conducted further digital forensics. They claim to have discovered:
- A computer file within the Justice Ministry containing the legal logic to justify Yoon’s martial law.
- Messages and instructions suggesting Park directed officials to prepare for potential arrests and restrict travel.
- A report from the Korea Correctional Service (KCS) confirming that detention centers near Seoul had space for 3,600 additional inmates — allegedly in preparation for mass detentions during martial law.
These discoveries prompted investigators to resummon Park, seize his cellphone again, and file additional criminal charges, including insurrection and abuse of power.
Park Sung-jae’s Alleged Role
According to the special counsel’s office, Park wasn’t a bystander — he was a key figure helping coordinate logistics and legal justifications for Yoon’s plan.
He is accused of:
- Ordering prosecutors to stay on standby for “martial law-related duties.”
- Putting immigration officers on alert to block potential travel of key individuals.
- Instructing prison authorities to assess available capacity for detentions.
These actions, prosecutors argue, amount to active participation in a conspiracy to impose illegal martial law.
The Court’s Position So Far
In October 2025, the Seoul Central District Court denied the first warrant, saying the evidence was “not sufficient to justify detention.”
However, the new findings — digital documents, internal memos, and witness statements — have made the second request stronger.
Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk’s office has also submitted a 235-page statement and a PowerPoint presentation outlining Park’s involvement.
As of November 13, the court is still reviewing whether to approve or reject Park’s second arrest warrant.
Other Officials Under Investigation
The martial law probe has widened dramatically, ensnaring multiple former senior officials.
| Name | Position | Status | Accusation |
| Yoon Suk Yeol | Former President | Indicted | Attempted insurrection and abuse of authority |
| Cho Tae-yong | Ex-National Intelligence Service (NIS) Chief | Arrested | Dereliction of duty, destroying evidence |
| Hwang Kyo-ahn | Former Prime Minister | Arrested | Inciting insurrection, public manipulation |
| Choo Kyung-ho | Lawmaker, People Power Party | Warrant pending | Obstructing parliamentary oversight |
| Park Sung-jae | Former Justice Minister | Hearing pending | Aiding martial law planning, abuse of power |
Deadline Pressure
The special counsel’s investigation is under a strict legal deadline — it must conclude by December 14, 2025.
With only a month left, Cho Eun-suk’s team is moving quickly to secure arrests, gather testimony, and finalize indictments.
What This Means for South Korea
This case has reignited national debate over checks and balances, executive power, and the fragile line between authority and abuse in South Korean politics.
Experts warn that if proven true, this would mark one of the most serious constitutional violations since the country’s transition to democracy.
Public sentiment remains sharply divided — while some believe the investigation is politically motivated, others see it as a vital step to protect democratic integrity.
Current Status (as of November 13, 2025)
- Park Sung-jae’s second arrest warrant decision is pending.
- Two other senior officials have already been detained.
- Yoon Suk Yeol remains indicted and under investigation for ordering the martial law preparations.
- The special counsel’s office continues to analyze digital evidence and interview witnesses in the final phase of the probe.
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Conclusion
The arrest hearing of Park Sung-jae represents something much bigger than just one man’s case. It reflects the deep struggle within South Korean politics — the constant tug-of-war between power, accountability, and the rule of law.
No matter how the court decides this time, one thing is clear: this martial law investigation will leave a lasting impact on South Korea’s democracy and how the country understands justice in the years to come.
