Seoul Court Rejects Detention Request for Ex-Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho in South Korea Martial Law Probe

South Korea: Seoul Court Dismisses Detention Request for Ex-Finance Minister in Martial Law Probe

A South Korean court in Seoul has dismissed a prosecutor's request to detain former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho. This decision, reported by Yonhap News Agency on December 3, 2025, comes as part of a high-profile investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law in 2024.

Court Cites No Risk of Flight or Evidence Destruction

The Seoul Central District Court stated that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that Choo Kyung-ho would either destroy evidence or attempt to flee. The court's rationale was based on his past conduct and his right to a defense with the assistance of his legal counsel, as cited by Yonhap News Agency.

Broader Investigation into Yoon's Martial Law Declaration

This particular probe, led by a special prosecution team, is centered on the martial law declaration made by former President Yoon. The wide-ranging investigation has already resulted in the arrests of several high-ranking former government and military officials who served under Yoon's administration. Among those apprehended are his former defense minister and the former head of the national spy agency.

Former PM Han Duck-soo Faces Significant Prison Sentence Request

Further demonstrating the gravity of the ongoing inquiry, the special prosecutor had previously requested a significant sentence for former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in November. Prosecutors are seeking 15 years in prison for Han, alleging his complicity in aiding Yoon Suk Yeol during the short-lived martial law period. The court's decision regarding Choo Kyung-ho marks another significant development in this complex political and legal saga unfolding in South Korea.