South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who is currently impeached, has defied a second summons to appear for questioning over his controversial declaration of martial law. On Wednesday, he was ordered to attend the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon to answer allegations of insurrection and abuse of power but failed to show up. This comes after Yoon previously missed a separate summons issued by prosecutors on December 15.
Yoon, who had previously served as South Korea’s top prosecutor, was suspended from office on December 14 after the National Assembly voted to impeach him with a 204-85 majority. The Constitutional Court of Korea is now deliberating whether to uphold this impeachment, with a ruling expected after a public hearing scheduled for December 27. To remove Yoon from office, at least six out of nine justices must agree to uphold the motion.
Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Defies Second Summons Over Martial Law Allegations
The Constitutional Court could take up to six months to make its decision, and if Yoon is removed from office, a new election would be required within two months. This impeachment case has become a focal point of political tension in South Korea, with the nation awaiting the court’s verdict on whether Yoon will remain in power.
Yoon’s decision to declare martial law on December 4 has been at the center of the political crisis. The declaration, aimed at combating what he described as “anti-state forces,” caused widespread shock and led to intense criticism. Despite the ongoing investigations and public backlash, Yoon has maintained that his actions were legal and vowed to confront the charges against him in a fair manner.
