Speaker Woo Wonshik to Appear Before Insurrection Special Prosecutor on the 7th as Reference Witness

Woo: "All Suspects and Reference Witnesses Must Cooperate with the Special Prosecutor"

National Assembly Speaker Woo Wonshik announced on the 5th that he has agreed to the special prosecutor's request for an interview as a reference witness regarding the insurrection investigation, and will appear at the special prosecutor's office on the 7th.

On his Facebook page that day, Speaker Woo posted an article titled "I Will Appear for the Special Prosecutor's Interview as a Reference Witness," stating, "I have received a request for cooperation in an interview as a reference witness from the special prosecutor for the insurrection case."

He continued, "It is true that it is unusual for a sitting National Assembly Speaker to appear before an investigative agency," but added, "Although there were suggestions to use another location or to conduct the interview in writing, I decided to appear in person to support, respect, and actively cooperate with the mission and role of the special prosecutor."

Speaker Woo also emphasized, "The special prosecutor for the insurrection case embodies the people's demand to uncover the truth of that day and to restore the nation and democracy. It is only right for all suspects, reference witnesses, and anyone called as a witness in related trials to actively cooperate with the special prosecutor's requests. The National Assembly Speaker is no exception."

Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly, is announcing the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Sukyeol at the 4th plenary session of the 419th National Assembly (extraordinary session) held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

This is interpreted as a remark aimed at former President Yoon Sukyeol, who has refused all summons from the special prosecutor and has not appeared at his criminal trial since being re-arrested on the 10th of last month.

He particularly stressed his reason for appearing, saying, "As the representative of an institution that was assaulted by armed martial law forces during the emergency martial law, and as the person who, following the will of the people, played a leading role in lifting the emergency martial law, I believe I must take the lead in uncovering the truth."

He further stated, "A strict and swift determination of the substantive truth is essential for the complete restoration of constitutional order and, therefore, forms the foundation for national unity," adding, "As National Assembly Speaker, I will continue to do my utmost to safeguard democracy."