Archive · 23 Dec 2025
Yoon denies drone deployment to North Korea
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is in trouble.
He's been in jail since July for blocking investigators.
Now, he's being accused of sending drones to North Korea to make them attack South Korea.
This was supposed to be an excuse to declare martial law.
Yoon says he didn't do it and that he didn't know about any drones.
He even talked to the then US President-elect Donald Trump about North Korea sending trash balloons to the South.
The special counsel wants to keep Yoon in jail longer, saying he might destroy evidence or run away.
The court will decide soon.
If Yoon is found guilty, he could stay in jail for up to six more months.
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denied allegations of sending drones to North Korea to justify martial law.
Yoon is currently in custody on charges of obstructing justice and power abuse.
Special counsel requested an extension of Yoon's arrest, citing the gravity of the alleged crimes and risks of evidence tampering.
Yoon argued that he had no knowledge of any drone operation and discussed North Korea's provocations with then US President-elect Donald Trump.
The court is expected to make a decision on the arrest extension after January 16, 2024.
- Who
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
- What
- Denied allegations of sending drones to North Korea to justify martial law
- When
- During a closed-door hearing on Tuesday, with a decision expected after January 16, 2024
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea
- Why
- To refute charges of benefiting the enemy and power abuse, and to argue against the extension of his arrest
- Person Involved
- Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol
- Allegations
- Sending drones to North Korea to justify martial law
- Charges
- Benefiting the enemy, power abuse, obstructing justice
- Current Status
- Held in custody since July, set for release January 18
- Special Counsel's Request
- Extension of arrest, additional indictment over drone operation
- Court Decision Timeline
- Expected after January 16, 2024
- Potential Additional Jail Time
- Up to six more months if extension granted
- Verdict Date
- January 16, 2024 for obstruction of justice charge