Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was questioned by a special counsel team on Saturday regarding charges of abuse of power and obstruction of rights. These charges are connected to messages he allegedly used to justify the declaration of martial law.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon arrived at the office of the special counsel team led by Kwon Chang-young in Gwacheon for questioning at about 10 a.m. and left around 4:30 p.m. This session marked his first appearance before the team since its establishment in February. Despite being present for approximately 6 1/2 hours, the actual questioning lasted only about two hours due to disruptions. Yoon refused to be questioned by a police officer seconded to the team and demanded the presence of someone with prosecutorial authority.
Yoon is alleged to have directed the foreign ministry and the National Security Office (NSO) to send messages to allies, including the United States, framing his martial law declaration as legitimate. These messages reportedly portrayed the measures as necessary to safeguard democracy and counter pro-North Korean forces. The NSO is believed to have delivered Yoon's message to the National Intelligence Service the day after the martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, where it was translated into English and briefed to a CIA official.
Investigators have focused on Yoon's intention behind the messages and the circumstances of their transmission. During questioning, Yoon reportedly denied the main allegations. One of his lawyers stated that Yoon did not issue detailed instructions to the NSO or the foreign ministry, nor did he receive any follow-up reports. According to the lawyer, Yoon only made a general comment that the government should improve public communication.
Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment by a district court in February over his failed martial law bid. Meanwhile, a special prosecution investigation continues into multiple other cases involving the martial law declaration, his wife Kim Keon Hee's alleged corruption scandal, and other suspicions. Yoon is currently held at the Seoul Detention Center.