South Korea's Ex-President Yoon Faces Extended Detention Over Martial Law Plot

A Seoul court is set to decide on Tuesday whether to extend the detention of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who faces new charges linking an alleged drone provocation against North Korea to his failed attempt to impose martial law last year. The decision is a critical juncture, as Yoon's current custody period is nearing its end.

A Looming Deadline and New Allegations

The Seoul Central District Court will hold a closed-door hearing at 2:30 p.m. to determine if Yoon should remain in custody, according to Yonhap News Agency. Yoon has been detained since July on charges of obstructing justice, and his six-month arrest warrant is set to expire on January 18.

The 'Drone Provocation' Theory

The request for an extension comes from a special counsel team, led by Cho Eun-suk, which has added new charges against the former president. Prosecutors claim that a drone deployment to North Korea in October of last year was a deliberate act to incite retaliation from Pyongyang.

According to the prosecution, this manufactured crisis was intended to serve as a pretext for Yoon's declaration of martial law in December. The new charges include aiding the enemy and abuse of power. If the court grants the extension, Yoon could be jailed for up to six more months, a move that would significantly impact his ongoing legal battles.