South Korea’s corruption watchdog summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, but he failed to attend the scheduled questioning. Officials at the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) confirmed the initiation of Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law investigation because he triggered unprecedented political turmoil on December 3rd.
CIO investigators had requested Yoon to appear at their Seoul office by 10 a.m. for questioning on insurrection charges and abuse of power. “President Yoon did not appear for his summons today,” a CIO official stated.
His absence marks a failure to comply with their initial summons, and officials are considering further action. The CIO disclosed that attempts to deliver the summons were blocked by unidentified personnel at the presidential office earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s legal team denied the legitimacy of the insurrection charges but committed to cooperating with the investigation. Yoon now faces investigations by prosecutors, police, and defense officials. Authorities confirmed they may issue an arrest warrant if he continues to avoid questioning.
The potential penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty, reflect the severity of the allegations tied to Yoon’s martial law declaration. South Korea’s constitutional court has been reviewing the impeachment case since Monday and has ordered Yoon to submit government-related records and decisions.
As South Korea awaits these rulings, Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law investigation intensifies, posing significant risks to his political future and personal liberty. International travel bans currently restrict his movements as tension mounts nationwide.
