Yoon Sukyeol's Team Requests Change from 9 to 10 a.m. and Public to Private Appearance

Special Prosecutor Summons Yoon at 9 a.m. on the 28th After Arrest Warrant Dismissed
Yoon's Side Requests One-Hour Delay and Closed-Door Investigation
Arrest Warrant Likely to Be Re-Requested if He Fails to Appear

Former President Yoon Sukyeol's legal team criticized Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok's investigation team, stating that "summoning someone for public humiliation is not an investigation, but politics." This is in response to the special prosecutor's team immediately demanding Yoon's public appearance after the arrest warrant was dismissed on the 25th.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the 8th trial session for charges of leading a rebellion and abuse of authority obstructing the exercise of rights at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on June 23, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

On the 26th, Yoon's legal representatives issued a statement saying, "Former President Yoon will appear at the special prosecutor's office for questioning at around 10 a.m. on the 28th."

At the same time, they denounced the special prosecutor's demand for a public appearance as an "investigation intended to humiliate," and requested a closed-door investigation. The legal team stated, "It is clearly unreasonable for the special prosecutor to effectively force a public appearance," adding, "Even in the past case involving former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, the prosecution allowed a non-public appearance."

They continued, "We requested that only the appearance time be adjusted to 10 a.m., but the special prosecutor firmly rejected this," and added, "This is difficult to accept, as it denies the voluntary nature of the investigation." They also stated that they have not yet been officially notified of the specific location for questioning or the prosecutor in charge.

The legal team further stated, "Although this summons is not in accordance with proper principles, former President Yoon has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and has not raised any additional objections." They added, "Going forward, we request that the details of the charges be clearly specified in an official written notice, not by text message or email."

Previously, the special prosecutor investigating the rebellion case requested an arrest warrant for Yoon, the key figure in the case, on the 24th, just six days after the investigation began. However, the court did not grant the warrant. The special prosecutor's office stated on the 25th, "The court dismissed the arrest warrant for former President Yoon on the grounds that the suspect had indicated he would comply with the special prosecutor's request to appear if summoned."

The court accepted the argument from Yoon's side that the special prosecutor's request for an arrest warrant was unlawful because it was filed suddenly, without even a single summons, despite Yoon's willingness to comply if properly summoned through due process.

In response, the special prosecutor immediately demanded that former President Yoon and his lawyers appear as a suspect at the special prosecutor's office in the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, at 9 a.m. on the 28th. The special prosecutor also warned, "If you do not comply with the request to appear, we will consider seeking an arrest warrant."