Special Prosecutor Issues Final Ultimatum to Yoon: "Must Enter Through Main Entrance... Waiting in Underground Will Be Considered Non-Compliance"

"Waiting in Front of Underground Parking Lot Will Be Considered Non-Compliance"
"Consultations Underway with Security Office and Seoul Police on Main Entrance Entry"
"The Entire Nation Is a Victim of Martial Law... Yoon Accused of Crimes Against National Legal Interests, Victims Have Right to Know About Investigation"

The special prosecutor team led by Cho Eunseok, which is investigating the rebellion and treason cases related to the 12·3 Martial Law, announced on June 27, 2025, "Former President Yoon has expressed his intention to appear for questioning at 10 a.m. tomorrow and has continued to state through the media and other channels that he intends to enter via the underground parking lot of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. We hope that a situation where his absence is regarded as non-compliance will not arise."

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

Park Jiyoung, special prosecutor for the rebellion case, explained at a press briefing that day, "Given former President Yoon's status and past career, we believe such a situation will not occur," and added, "Assuming entry through the main entrance, we are continuing consultations with the security office and the Seoul Metropolitan Police regarding preparations for his appearance."

She continued, "If he does not enter through the main entrance and waits in front of the underground parking lot, it will not be considered as appearing. Appearing for questioning means creating a situation in which we are able to conduct the investigation."

She further stated, "If there is a door through which one can enter, but someone keeps trying to enter through a locked door, that cannot be considered proper entry. We hope that such a situation does not arise."

Previously, at a briefing the day before, Special Prosecutor Park indicated that if former President Yoon fails to comply with the summons, "We would have no choice but to review the procedures under the Criminal Procedure Act," suggesting the possibility of reapplying for an arrest warrant.

All gates to the parking lots on the first and second basement levels will be blocked, and underground entry will not be permitted. Special Prosecutor Park stated, "For the first basement parking lot, which does not have a separate barrier, we will install a blockade on the access road, and for the second basement parking lot, the barrier will not be lifted."

The special prosecutor team has completed practical preparations, such as setting up an interview room for the face-to-face questioning of former President Yoon and securing a waiting area for security personnel. If necessary, late-night questioning after 6 p.m. may also be conducted with his consent.

Regarding the mention by former President Yoon's side of protecting human rights during the investigation, Special Prosecutor Park emphasized, "The charges against former President Yoon concern national legal interests, and for such crimes, the victims are the people. The right to know about the investigation is also included as part of the victims' human rights." She added, "Since the entire nation is a victim of the martial law, it is necessary to consider whether the rights of the suspect or the rights of the victims should take precedence from this perspective."