Yoon Suk Yeol defies summons by corruption investigation office over martial law case

SOUTH KOREA: President Yoon Suk Yeol did not attend a scheduled questioning session on 18 December by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), defying a summons over his brief declaration of martial law earlier this month.

Yoon was summoned by a joint investigative team comprising the CIO, the police, and the Defence Ministry’s investigation unit. He had been instructed to appear at the CIO’s headquarters in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, by 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The investigation stems from Yoon’s 3 December imposition of martial law, which has led to allegations of inciting insurrection. He has since been suspended from his presidential duties after the motion for his impeachment was passed last Saturday, pending the outcome of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court.

Difficulties delivering summons

Efforts to deliver the summons to Yoon’s office earlier this week were unsuccessful. Reports indicate the presidential office either refused to accept the notice or returned it undelivered.

CIO chief Oh Dong-woon addressed the National Assembly’s legislation committee on Tuesday, accusing Yoon of deliberately avoiding the summons.

Oh stated that his agency would pursue “lawful” measures, including the possibility of seeking an arrest warrant if the criteria for such action are met.

“The decision to seek an arrest warrant aligns with lawful procedures and ensures accountability,” Oh said, ruling out an emergency arrest without proper legal grounds.

The CIO is also deliberating whether to issue a second summons for Yoon.

Parallel investigations create confusion

In addition to the CIO probe, prosecutors have been conducting a parallel investigation into the martial law incident.

Prosecutors summoned Yoon for questioning on Saturday after he ignored an earlier summons issued for 17 December.

However, the prosecution’s inquiry is now on hold following an agreement with the CIO on 18 December to transfer its investigation to the CIO to avoid duplication.

South Korean media outlets reported that judicial sources confirmed the CIO and prosecution are coordinating schedules and locations for Yoon’s questioning.

Yoon’s legal team has criticised the simultaneous investigations by multiple agencies, claiming they are causing unnecessary confusion.

“This overlap in investigations undermines the process and creates unnecessary complications,” a representative for Yoon’s defence team told reporters on Tuesday.

Next steps for the investigation

The CIO’s decision on pursuing an arrest warrant could be pivotal in addressing Yoon’s continued defiance. Legal experts suggest that the outcome of this case could significantly impact the nation’s approach to accountability for high-ranking officials.

For now, the case is set to move forward under the exclusive oversight of the CIO, as prosecutors take a step back to streamline the investigative process. Further developments are expected as authorities decide on potential legal actions, including the issuance of another summons or an arrest warrant.