South Korean prosecutors have summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning regarding his failed attempt to impose martial law. They have asked him to appear by Saturday. If he refuses to cooperate, prosecutors may issue an arrest warrant, according to Yonhap news agency.
Investigators delivered the summons to Yoon’s presidential residence on Tuesday. However, Yoon returned it without responding. If he complies, it would mark the first time a sitting South Korean president faces prosecutors as a suspect. Yoon was impeached last Saturday after a second parliamentary vote. His martial law declaration earlier this month sparked political turmoil and divided his ruling party.
Yoon’s lawyers insist that his brief martial law declaration on December 3 does not amount to insurrection. Seok Dong Hyeon, one of his attorneys, stated, “President Yoon will state his position in court confidently and according to his own convictions.” The defense team criticized the investigation, arguing that it lacks merit. Seok added, “The president is not giving a single thought to the insurrection charges as a legal concept. But since investigation agencies are acting this way, there will be a response.” Yoon remains under a travel ban and faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, if convicted.
South Korea’s Constitutional Court will decide whether to reinstate or permanently remove Yoon from office. For now, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo serves as the interim leader. A joint team of prosecutors, police, and anti-corruption officials continues to investigate Yoon’s alleged role in the insurrection.
Han Dong Hoon, leader of the ruling People Power Party, stepped down on Monday after supporting Yoon’s impeachment. Han defended his decision, explaining that he feared violence if martial law had continued. “Martial law in the advanced nation that’s South Korea, in 2024. How angry and disappointed must you have all been?” he said during a press conference.
North Korea’s state media sharply criticized Yoon’s impeachment. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) labeled him a “ringleader of rebellion” and accused him of shifting blame for his failed martial law declaration onto opposition parties. KCNA stated, “The investigation into puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, and his accomplices is under way.”
As South Korea awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision, the nation remains in political uncertainty over this historic case.
