The First Interrogation Only Confirmed Basic Facts
Former President Yoon Suk-yeol complied with the summons by the special investigation team led by Cho Eunseok regarding the insurrection case. However, during the approximately 15 hours he spent at the prosecutor’s office, the actual interrogation lasted only five hours, making it inevitable that he will be summoned again. In particular, regarding the allegations of obstruction of arrest and deletion of records from the secure phone?both of which Yoon refused to answer for about three hours?the special counsel’s team emphasized the principle that the police should conduct the questioning, suggesting that conflicts are likely to arise in future interrogations as well.
According to legal sources on the 29th, the special investigation team plans to conduct a second summons of former President Yoon on the 30th. During this session, they intend to further investigate allegations of obstruction of arrest, deletion of secure phone records, the process of Cabinet approval before and after the declaration of martial law, obstruction of the National Assembly’s resolution to lift martial law, and foreign exchange-related charges.
The special counsel’s team was forced to suspend questioning for about three hours due to Yoon’s refusal to cooperate, resuming at around 4:45 p.m. After excluding meal breaks, they spent about four hours investigating the Cabinet process and foreign exchange allegations. However, due to a lack of time, they were reportedly only able to confirm the most basic facts.
Given that former President Yoon refused to answer questions regarding the allegations of obstruction of arrest by Park Changhwan, Chief Superintendent of the National Police Agency’s Major Crimes Investigation Division, the special counsel’s team is said to be strategizing internally on the order of questioning and other investigative tactics.
Since Yoon did respond to questions about the Cabinet approval process, the National Assembly’s resolution to lift martial law, and the foreign exchange allegations during the first session, it is expected that the second summons could proceed more smoothly if the order of questioning is adjusted. The special counsel’s team may prioritize obtaining Yoon’s testimony regarding the extensive list of issues that need clarification, such as the drafting and distribution of martial law-related documents (including emergency legislative body memos) to Cabinet members and instructions to media outlets regarding power and water cutoffs.
Another key task is to determine, based on physical evidence secured during previous investigations?such as the “Noh Sangwon notebook”?whether Yoon attempted to provoke an attack from North Korea in order to justify the declaration of martial law, using methods such as drone infiltration into Pyongyang or launching waste-filled balloons. However, since an investigation into the obstruction of arrest allegation is unavoidable for indictment, and as the special counsel’s team maintains its principle that Chief Superintendent Park must question Yoon to ensure investigative continuity, there remains a possibility of further disruptions in future interrogations.
During the first interrogation, Yoon’s side abandoned their initial demand to enter through the underground parking lot and instead entered directly through the main entrance, complying with the special counsel’s instructions. However, they immediately issued a statement criticizing the special counsel and continued to raise objections through “outside statements,” resulting in repeated clashes. In response, the special counsel’s team has taken a hardline stance, stating that the actions of Yoon’s legal team may cross the line and could be investigated as obstruction of justice.
Meanwhile, some observers note that since Yoon complied with the special counsel’s public summons, there may be insufficient grounds to seek a compulsory investigation, such as a request for an arrest warrant, solely based on his refusal to answer questions about specific allegations.
As of now, it has been confirmed that Yoon has not clearly stated whether he will comply with the second summons scheduled for 9 a.m. on the 30th, as notified by the special counsel’s team.
Even if Yoon does appear for the second interrogation, it is expected that the special counsel’s team will attempt to conduct several additional interrogations. The team is reportedly maintaining its position that it will summon Yoon as needed during the course of the investigation.
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