South Korea’s ex-president Yoon hauled back into court for rearrest hearing

South Korea’s efforts to hold ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol to account for his attempted martial law declaration reached a dramatic juncture on Wednesday, as he arrived at court amid tight security and a fierce public debate over the nation’s handling of his abortive martial law declaration.

Dressed in a dark suit and red tie, the 65-year-old appeared before the Seoul Central District Court for a hearing to decide whether to send him back into custody or allow him to remain out on bail while standing trial.

Police maintained order as small but vocal groups of Yoon’s supporters, waving flags and chanting slogans, gathered on the street corners outside. A convoy of vehicles transported Yoon the short 350-metre (383-yard) distance from his home to the courthouse.

The impeached former leader ignored questions from journalists as he entered the courtroom, flanked by his legal team.

After several hours of questioning, Yoon will await the court’s ruling – expected between late Wednesday and early Thursday – either at Seoul Detention Centre or the holding facility at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office.

“His arrest would signal that the special prosecutor’s efforts to hold those responsible for the insurrection accountable are gaining real traction,” Professor Jhee Byong-kuen, a political scientist at Chosun University, told This Week in Asia.