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President Yoon ghosts Christmas summons in ongoing insurrection probe

Published: 25 Dec. 2024, 11:07 Updated: 25 Dec. 2024, 14:18

President Yoon Suk Yeol praying on Nov. 22 in central Seoul. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is under investigation for insurrection charges, did not comply with the second summons issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO).

The joint investigation headquarters, which includes the CIO, the National Office of Investigation (NOI) and the Ministry of National Defense's investigation team, had requested Yoon’s appearance at the CIO office in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi, at 10 a.m. on Christmas.

Yoon was to be questioned as a suspect in connection with charges of leading an insurrection and abuse of power, but he did not show up.

On Dec. 18, President Yoon also failed to respond to the CIO's first summons. The CIO remains on standby, leaving the possibility of his eventual appearance open.

Yoon's refusal to attend on Christmas marks the latest in a series of absences from requests by investigative bodies following the declaration of martial law on Dec. 3.

The CIO is expected to decide as early as Thursday whether to issue a third summons or apply for an arrest warrant if Yoon fails to appear.

“Realistically, even if the president appears, it’s not as though he would come alone,” a CIO official said Wednesday to reporters. “We are monitoring various factors, including reactions from his legal team or representatives and the potential submission of a notice of attorney appointment.”

Yoon’s legal team has yet to submit such a notice to the CIO, citing delays in forming the defense team. The presidential office has also made no direct contact with the CIO regarding the investigation.

The CIO emphasized the need to consider several variables, including the Constitutional Court’s decision to proceed with its impeachment trial preparatory hearing on Friday as scheduled, and Yoon’s legal team's plan to announce its stance on the impeachment trial after Thursday.

Update, Dec. 25: Added details on the CIO's reaction.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]