Han Ducksoo Questioned Over Disposal of Post-Cabinet Meeting Documents
Investigation Into Alleged Concealment of Illegal Martial Law
Ahn Duckgeun Probed on Circumstances of Cabinet Meeting Convocation
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who is under suspicion of abetting insurrection, appeared before the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs on the 2nd. At the same time, the special prosecutor's team also summoned Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duckgeun.
Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo (left) and Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duckgeun are appearing at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 2nd to undergo investigation by the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs. Photo by Yonhap News
At around 9:53 a.m. that day, Han appeared at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office wearing a gray suit and a green tie. He did not respond to reporters' questions, such as whether he had any comments on the allegation that he drafted and signed post-cabinet meeting documents and then disposed of them; whether there were any instructions from former President Yoon during the drafting of the post-martial law proclamation; or whether he was being questioned as a witness or a suspect. He entered the building without answering. Minister Ahn, who arrived at the same time, also remained silent in response to questions from the press and passed through the photo line without comment.
The Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs has been investigating whether former President Yoon Sukyeol abused his authority over cabinet members during the cabinet meetings before and after the proclamation of martial law, and whether some cabinet members could be considered accomplices for their support. In particular, the team is examining the circumstances under which a new martial law proclamation was drafted and then discarded after former President Yoon's declaration of martial law.
Former Prime Minister Han reportedly signed a document drafted by former Presidential Secretary Kang Uigu after the declaration of martial law. However, a few days later, Han requested, "If it becomes known that a post-event document was created, it could spark another controversy, so let's pretend it never happened," which ultimately led to the document being discarded. The special prosecutor is expected to question Han about whether he attempted to conceal the illegal martial law after the fact, and whether he participated in or supported the insurrection through the declaration of martial law.
Regarding Minister Ahn, the investigation will focus on the circumstances under which he was convened to the cabinet meeting on the day martial law was declared, as well as what took place during the meeting.
Since its launch, the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs has been moving swiftly to accelerate its investigation. On the 18th, immediately after the start of the investigation, former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun was additionally indicted, and on the 28th of last month, the first round of questioning of former President Yoon was completed. The previous day, a staff member from the Agency for Defense Development was summoned to investigate former President Yoon's alleged illegal foreign currency inducement.
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