Questioning Resumed at 4:45 p.m. After Being Halted at 1:30 p.m.
Prosecutors Investigate Cabinet Resolution and Foreign Exchange Allegations
Special Investigation Team Plans Additional Summons for Yoon
On June 28, the special investigation team led by Cho Eunseok resumed its afternoon questioning of former President Yoon Sukyeol at 4:45 p.m. Former President Yoon is currently undergoing questioning related to the alleged violation of the Cabinet resolution and foreign exchange offenses, after refusing to answer questions regarding the 'obstruction of arrest' charges.
At a media briefing on the afternoon of the 28th, Special Prosecutor Park Jiyoung stated, "We were unable to resume questioning on the obstruction of arrest because former President Yoon's side refused to participate, and we have taken appropriate measures in response." Park also added, "Although the official record refers to him as a 'suspect,' we are currently addressing him as 'Mr. President.'"
Special Prosecutor Park further explained, "Currently, Deputy Chief Prosecutors Kim Jungguk and Cho Jaechul are conducting the investigation into the Cabinet resolution and foreign exchange allegations." The special prosecution law also includes allegations that former President Yoon may have attempted to provoke North Korea, which could constitute a foreign exchange offense.
During the morning session, the special investigation team focused on allegations that, in January, former President Yoon instructed the Presidential Security Service to block the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. The questioning was led by Park Changhwan, Chief Superintendent and head of the Major Crimes Investigation Division at the National Police Agency, who has been investigating the case.
Former President Yoon's legal team argued that it was inappropriate for Chief Superintendent Park, who himself has been accused of unlawful arrest, to conduct the questioning. After lunch, former President Yoon refused to enter the interrogation room and remained in the waiting area, demanding a change of questioner. The special investigation team countered by stating, "Chief Superintendent Park was not involved in the execution of the arrest warrant against former President Yoon."
After more than three hours of standoff, the questioning was handed over to the prosecution, at which point former President Yoon agreed to participate in the investigation. However, the special investigation team announced that the police would continue to handle the questioning related to the obstruction of arrest and allegations that Yoon instructed others involved in the case to delete records of secret phone calls.
The special investigation team stated that former President Yoon expressed his willingness to undergo late-night questioning after 9 p.m. However, they also indicated that it would be physically difficult to complete the entire investigation in one day, suggesting that an additional summons may be necessary. Special Prosecutor Park explained, "The questioning resumed at around 4:45 p.m. and the Q&A is proceeding smoothly, but it seems physically impossible to finish today," adding, "Even if former President Yoon agrees to late-night questioning, it is unlikely to go past midnight."
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