• Former South Korean spy chief Cho Tae-yong arrested for dereliction of duty.
• Ex-Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn detained over charges of inciting insurrection.
• Both arrests are related to the failed martial law declaration by ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol.
• The fallout represents a grave constitutional crisis in South Korea.
• Prosecutors accuse former officials of attempting to suppress political opposition.

On November 12, former South Korean spy chief Cho Tae-yong was arrested amid ongoing investigations into the martial law declaration by ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol. He faces multiple charges, including dereliction of duty and evidence destruction, primarily for failing to report Yoon's actions to parliament, which prosecutors deemed illegal. The Seoul Central District Court granted the arrest warrant, stating there was a risk of evidence destruction that justified the detention, according to Channel News Asia and South China Morning Post.

Simultaneously, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn was also arrested for allegedly inciting an insurrection during the same crisis. Hwang reportedly used social media to advocate for the arrest of political opponents following the martial law declaration, further entrenching the political turmoil initiated by Yoon's attempt to suppress dissent. These events underscore a significant investigation into the leadership surrounding Yoon, who has been accused of attempts to undermine democratic processes, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Investigations reveal that Cho withheld knowledge of the December 2024 martial law proclamation and failed to inform parliament, even after acknowledging the risks associated with the plan to arrest opposition figures. Testimonies from former officials claim that Yoon sought to manipulate military resources to further this agenda. The parliamentary intervention ultimately revoked the martial law after only four hours, marking a critical moment in South Korea's response to perceived threats to its democratic governance, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The fallout from Yoon's actions has drawn significant public and political attention, with calls for accountability rising amid assertions that the martial law declaration sought to bolster his political control. Yoon, who was previously detained on related charges, remains embroiled in legal troubles as he stands trial for continuing alleged insurrection efforts, emphasizing the ongoing conflict within South Korea's political landscape, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.