Seoul, South Korea – Former President Yoon Suk-yeol faced his first in-person interrogation by the special prosecutor's team investigating alleged insurrection charges on June 28, a session that concluded with strong calls from the opposition Democratic Party for his immediate arrest and a more resolute approach from the prosecution. The party has intensified its demands for accountability, citing Yoon's perceived evasive tactics during the extensive questioning.
The special prosecutor's team, led by Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk, began questioning Mr. Yoon at approximately 10:14 AM and concluded at 9:50 PM. Despite the nearly 11.5-hour duration, the actual time spent on direct questioning was reportedly only about five hours, with the former president accused of being uncooperative and employing delaying tactics. He reviewed the interrogation transcript for an additional three hours before returning home shortly before 1 AM on June 29. The special prosecutor's office, indicating that sufficient investigation could not be conducted, has requested Mr. Yoon to reappear on June 30 at 9:00 AM.
The core of the investigation revolves around Mr. Yoon's declaration of martial law in December of the previous year, an attempt that ultimately led to his impeachment by the Constitutional Court in April and subsequent removal from office. He was initially arrested and indicted in January on charges of insurrection and abuse of power, making him the first sitting South Korean president to be held in custody, though he was later released in March. Further allegations include obstructing justice by blocking an arrest attempt and ordering the deletion of data from secure phones used by military commanders involved in the martial law decree. The charges of insurrection carry severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment or even the death penalty. A travel ban has also been imposed on the former president.
Leading figures within the Democratic Party have vociferously criticized Mr. Yoon's conduct during the investigation. Park Chan-dae, a former floor leader and current candidate for the party's leadership, took to social media to label Mr. Yoon's actions as characteristic of a "law-eel" – a derogatory term for someone who skillfully evades the law. Park criticized Yoon's alleged demands for preferential treatment, including special entry and delayed appearance, and his reported refusal to cooperate during the interrogation, asserting that "Yoon Suk-yeol intends to torment the public to the very end." He urged the special prosecutor to "focus on the charge of insubordination ringleader rather than the title of former president," emphasizing the need to consider seeking an arrest warrant given concerns about non-cooperation and potential destruction of evidence.
Fellow party leader candidate Jeong Cheong-rae echoed these sentiments on his social media, stating, "There has never been a more vicious suspect than Yoon Suk-yeol," and demanding that the special prosecutor "urgently arrest Yoon Suk-yeol."
Democratic Party spokesperson Baek Seung-ah issued a written briefing, condemning Mr. Yoon's appearance as a mere "ruse" and a "show." Baek asserted that Yoon was solely focused on avoiding detention and obstructing the investigation rather than cooperating with the truth-finding process. "Now, only arrest is the answer," Baek declared, urging the special prosecutor to "immediately proceed with a forceful investigation to reveal the truth and uphold law and justice," emphasizing that "no leniency should be shown to the insubordination ringleader Yoon Suk-yeol, who scorns the public and the law."
The ongoing investigation highlights the deep political divisions in South Korea surrounding the events of the martial law declaration and its aftermath. The special prosecutor's determination to compel Mr. Yoon's cooperation and the Democratic Party's insistent calls for his arrest underscore the gravity of the legal and political battle ahead.
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