In a significant development, South Korean prosecutors have issued a second summons to President Yoon Suk-yeol for questioning. This comes after their unsuccessful attempt to subpoena the impeached president last week.
The prosecution's special investigation headquarters delivered the second summons to Yoon's team, requesting his presence at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in the morning for inquiries related to insurrection and other charges.
Last week, an official letter was sent to President Yoon, asking him to appear at 10:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. However, Yoon defied the subpoena, citing that his defense counsel had not yet been formed.
If President Yoon complies with the summons, he would become the first sitting president in South Korea to appear at the prosecutors' office as a criminal suspect. This unprecedented move underscores the gravity of the charges he faces.
The backdrop to these developments dates back to December 3, when President Yoon imposed martial law. The declaration was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly within hours, leading investigative agencies to name Yoon as a suspect on rebellion charges.
Further escalating the situation, the National Assembly passed a second motion to impeach President Yoon on Saturday. The motion has been forwarded to the constitutional court, which will deliberate on the matter for up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon's presidential powers will be suspended.
Should President Yoon continue to reject the summons without a justifiable reason, prosecutors may seek an arrest warrant, potentially leading to his detention by force.
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S. Korean prosecutors notify President Yoon of second summons
cgtn.com
