[Breaking] Yoon's Team: "Special Prosecutor's Public Summons Causes Nationwide Fatigue... Politically Motivated Investigation and Manipulation of Public Opinion"

Statement of Immediate Objection Upon Appearance
"Charges Cannot Be Acknowledged... Repeating the Prosecution's Bad Practices"

As former President Yoon Sukyeol appeared before the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs and the investigation began, his legal team strongly criticized the special prosecutor's office for insisting on a public summons, calling the investigation "politically motivated." They also denied the allegations, including the use of the Presidential Security Service to prevent his arrest.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is appearing at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 28th to undergo investigation by the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs as a suspect. Photo by Yonhap News

Immediately after Yoon's appearance, his legal representatives released a statement to the media, saying, "Summoning a former president for questioning based on wordplay and non-existent facts is not an investigation, but rather an act of fabrication."

On this day, former President Yoon appeared publicly at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, where the special prosecutor's office is located, to undergo questioning by the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs. After his request to enter through the underground parking lot for a private appearance was denied, he immediately issued a statement expressing his opposition to what he called the unfair actions of the special prosecutor.

The legal team stated, "Although the defense requested coordination in accordance with the law, this was refused, and the issue was reduced to a matter of simply entering through the underground parking lot, thereby causing unnecessary fatigue for the entire nation." They continued, "They are attempting to gloss over the issues of investigative procedure and the protection of suspects' human rights with a single sensational photograph taken in the first-floor lobby and exposed to the media."

They further argued, "When investigative agencies summon a suspect, they must ensure that the suspect's honor or privacy is not infringed upon, and they must also consult in advance regarding the date, time, and location of the investigation." They added, "This is not merely a recommendation to investigative agencies, but a legal obligation imposed by law. The special prosecutor is violating this legal duty."

They also denied the allegations of obstructing the execution of arrest warrants by the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The legal team stated, "Since the special prosecutor's investigation into former President Yoon does not concern the crime of insurrection, the claim that the entire nation is a victim does not stand." They added, "Regarding the alleged order to prevent his arrest, there is no evidence to be found in the statements of those involved, so the charge itself cannot be recognized."

The legal team said, "We are appalled by the special prosecutor's claim that, since the entire nation is a victim, the suspect's human rights can be deprioritized, as if guilt has already been established." They continued, "The special prosecutor, who should be neutral and fair, is acting with prejudice and preconceptions, repeating the very bad practices of the prosecution that most need to be reformed." They added, "We will participate in today's investigation, as procedural disputes must not become an obstacle to uncovering the truth, but we will also fight to break down this politically motivated investigation, which is full of falsehoods and distortions."