Yoon Suk Yeol Summoned Amid Martial Law Probe, Faces Potential Arrest

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was summoned on Saturday by a special prosecutor. The summons came amidst an intensifying investigation into his failed attempt to impose martial law in December. The former leader faced the possibility of another arrest.

Yoon, through his legal representatives, voiced objections to the special prosecutor's demands. They argued that the requirement to appear for questioning under media scrutiny was a violation of his rights and an attempt to publicly humiliate him. His lawyers stated that Yoon would cooperate with the investigation on Saturday and provide truthful information. They characterized the investigation as politically driven and filled with inaccuracies.

Upon entering the special prosecutor's office, Yoon declined to answer questions from reporters. The attempted imposition of martial law in December had caused widespread shock, particularly in a nation that had celebrated its democratic progress after overcoming military rule in the 1980s.

Yoon was subsequently removed from office in April by the Constitutional Court, which upheld his impeachment by parliament. The special prosecutor had previously sought a warrant for Yoon's arrest due to his earlier refusal to comply with summons. However, the court rejected the warrant this week, citing his recent expression of willingness to cooperate.

The special prosecutor, appointed in early June, assembled a team of over 200 prosecutors and investigators to take over the ongoing investigations of Yoon. Yoon, who previously served as a top prosecutor, was elected president in 2022. He is currently facing trial for his role in the December 3 martial law declaration. He had been arrested in January after resisting authorities, but was later released after 52 days due to legal technicalities.