South Korea’s Joint Investigation Headquarters has issued an official summons to President Yoon Suk Yeol, charging him with being the “ringleader of a rebellion.” The summon comes after Yoon’s impeachment motion was passed on December 14, suspending his presidential duties.
Prosecutors have cited charges of “abuse of power and obstruction of rights” under the Criminal Act. Yoon is required to appear at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on December 21. A second demand for his appearance was made after his initial summons was refused by his defense team, citing incomplete counsel composition.
The prosecution has warned that if Yoon continues to defy summons without justification, it will seek a warrant for his arrest and pursue forced investigation measures. Key military officials involved in the martial law declaration have already been arrested, paving the way for a direct investigation of Yoon.
Yoon’s position as president creates a unique situation, allowing him to choose which investigative body he faces. However, experts warn that refusing to comply with the investigation could provide an additional basis for his removal from office. This precedent was set in the case of former President Park Geun Hye, who faced impeachment in 2017.
Yoon’s legal team is forming a defense strategy and discussing possible responses to the ongoing investigation. The president had previously vowed to take full responsibility regarding the martial law declaration. If he fails to cooperate, it could be seen as similar to Park Geun-hye’s actions.
Source: https://www.allkpop.com/buzz/2024/12/yoon-suk-yeol-snubs-prosecution-request-for-questioning