'Resistant Yoon' Personally Appears at Habeas Corpus Review

First Appearance Outside Detention Since Arrest
Decision Made to Personally Explain Health Condition
Detention vs. Release: Outcome Could Come as Early as This Afternoon

Former President Yoon Seokyoul personally appeared at the hearing for the habeas corpus review he filed on July 18, claiming that his detention was unlawful and unjust. Since being re-arrested on July 10, Yoon had consistently refused to participate in both investigations and trials, maintaining a strategy of resistance. This was the first time he left the Seoul Detention Center to present his arguments. The court's decision on this day is expected to have a significant impact on the direction of the special prosecutor's investigation into the insurrection case.

The transport vehicle carrying former President Yoon Seokyoul, who was detained, is entering the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the morning of July 18, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Criminal Appellate Division 9-2 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Ryu Changseong, Jung Hyewon, and Choi Bowon) held the habeas corpus review hearing that morning. The court examined whether the detention was lawful and whether there was a continued necessity for detention. The hearing was conducted behind closed doors, so Yoon was not seen in public.

Yoon stated that he decided to appear in person to directly explain his health condition. Previously, after his re-arrest, he had refused to attend two insurrection trials and the special prosecutor team's third attempt at compulsory attendance, all citing health reasons. Yoon's legal counsel said, "Former President Yoon is in a state of physical exhaustion, making it difficult for him to eat or exercise."

On July 16, Yoon's legal team filed the habeas corpus review, stating their intention to contest the lawfulness and justification of his detention. They are expected to argue both health issues and the fact that trials are already underway for the charges listed in the detention warrant. The special prosecutor's team is expected to emphasize the need for continued detention, citing the ongoing investigation into new foreign exchange offenses and concerns over potential evidence destruction.

If the court determines that the detention is unlawful or unjust on this day, Yoon will be released. The result could be decided as early as the afternoon of July 18. The special prosecutor's team, having not been able to conduct a single investigation since Yoon's detention, is now forced to await the court's decision. It has also been confirmed that the special prosecutor's team is considering proceeding with an indictment without further investigation.