Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was interrogated by a special counsel team on Saturday regarding allegations of abuse of power and obstruction of rights related to messages purportedly used to justify his declaration of martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon, who is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center, was questioned at the special counsel's office in Gwacheon, located just south of Seoul. The session lasted approximately six hours, beginning at around 9:50 a.m., marking Yoon's first appearance before the team since its inception on February 25. The allegations suggest that Yoon instructed the foreign ministry and the National Security Office (NSO) to send messages to allies, including the United States, to portray his martial law declaration as legitimate and necessary for safeguarding democracy and countering pro-North Korean forces.
The investigation revealed that the NSO allegedly transmitted Yoon's message to the National Intelligence Service on December 3, 2024, the day following the martial law declaration. The message was then translated into English and briefed to a CIA official. Investigators concentrated on Yoon's intentions behind these messages and the circumstances of their transmission. During the questioning, Yoon reportedly denied the primary allegations.
One of Yoon's lawyers stated to Yonhap News Agency after the session that Yoon did not issue detailed instructions to either the NSO or the foreign ministry, nor did he receive any follow-up reports. The lawyer added that Yoon only made a general comment about the need for the government to improve its public communication efforts.