Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, detained over an alleged failed martial law bid on December 3, has refused to cooperate with investigators for a second consecutive day. As the deadline on his initial 48-hour detention looms, the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) is preparing to request an extended warrant to keep him in custody.
Yoon, arrested on Wednesday, January 15, became the first sitting South Korean president to face detention. He is held at the Seoul Detention Centre, where investigators are examining potential insurrection charges. The fresh warrant, if approved, could extend his detention by 20 days, allowing prosecutors to formalize their case.
Legal Team Denounces Investigation
Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated that the former president has already provided his position and sees no need to answer further questions. “The president has sufficiently expressed his stance to investigators on the first day,” the lawyer said. On Wednesday, Yoon invoked his right to silence during hours of questioning and refused subsequent appearances, citing health concerns.
Yoon’s legal team argues that the arrest warrant is invalid, claiming it was issued by a court outside the appropriate jurisdiction and challenging the investigative team’s legal authority. On Thursday, the defense filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office against the CIO chief and police officials involved in the investigation.
Supporters Rally Against Detention
Outside the court on Friday, Yoon’s supporters gathered in large numbers, forming a human barricade in an attempt to obstruct investigators from filing for the new warrant. The CIO reported that their extensive 200-page questionnaire remains unanswered, as Yoon continues to evade questioning.
Next Steps in Legal Battle
If the new warrant is filed and approved over the weekend, Yoon’s detention will continue, allowing investigators additional time to solidify their case. However, if the court rejects the warrant, the former president will be released immediately.
The unfolding legal battle has sparked nationwide attention, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring the case’s implications for South Korea’s political and judicial landscape.
