Special Prosecutor Considers Indictment Without Further Questioning
Yoon's Side: "We Will File Criminal Complaints and Constitutional Petitions"
The Minjungki Special Prosecutor's team, which failed again to execute the arrest warrant for former President Yoon Sukyeol, is now deliberating whether to request the warrant again. The team is also considering the option of indicting him without further investigation, taking into account that there may be little practical benefit in pursuing additional questioning.
Former President Yoon Sukyeol is heading to Seoul Detention Center after completing the second pre-arrest suspect hearing (warrant review) held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on July 9, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
Special Prosecutor Assistant Moon Hongju stated at a regular briefing on the afternoon of August 8, "The validity of the arrest warrant expired yesterday, so if necessary, we would have to apply for it again. Various issues have arisen, and we are carefully considering all of them as we decide whether to reapply."
The special prosecutor's team is also open to indicting former President Yoon without further questioning, considering that even if they succeed in bringing him in for questioning with a new arrest warrant, he is likely to exercise his right to remain silent. Assistant Prosecutor Moon said, "In principle, our position is that he should be summoned and questioned," but added, "There are various circumstances that need to be considered, and we are discussing the matter in depth." He further stated that indicting without an additional arrest warrant is "one of several options under consideration."
The previous day, the special prosecutor's team attempted to execute the arrest warrant for former President Yoon again but failed once more. In a press release, the team explained, "Starting at around 8:25 a.m., we attempted to execute the arrest warrant using physical force and other means, but accepted the on-site opinion that there was a risk of injury due to the suspect's strong resistance. Therefore, we stopped the execution at 9:40 a.m."
Yoon's Side: "Special Prosecutor's Attempt at Forced Escort Is Illegal" vs. Special Prosecutor: "We Do Not Agree"
On this day, former President Yoon's side issued a statement regarding the previous day's execution of the arrest warrant, asserting, "The attempt at forced escort of former President Yoon, who is already in detention, is clearly illegal and constitutes physical abuse of a former head of state. We will use all legal means, including filing criminal complaints and constitutional petitions, to hold those responsible accountable and correct this injustice."
Assistant Prosecutor Moon refuted the claim by Yoon's side that "attempting to forcibly escort a detained person constitutes cruel treatment," saying, "We do not agree with that opinion."
Yoon's side also claimed that during the execution of the arrest warrant, "they lied, saying he would be able to meet his lawyer in the warden's office, and tried to put him in a car." Assistant Prosecutor Moon responded, "That is something the Ministry of Justice should clarify," but added, "My understanding is that the circumstances are somewhat different."
He further pointed out, "(The place where former President Yoon met his lawyer) was not the designated meeting room for attorneys, and there was an aspect of accommodating the suspect's convenience, so making such a claim does not seem appropriate."
Special Prosecutor Moves to Secure Kim Gunhee's Custody: "We Expect She Will Not Exercise the Right to Remain Silent Even If Detained"
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor's team applied for an arrest warrant for Kim Gunhee the previous day on charges including violation of the Capital Markets Act and the Political Funds Act, as well as accepting bribes under the Special Act for Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes. This move to secure her custody came just one day after summoning her for an approximately 11-hour face-to-face investigation on August 6. The special prosecutor's team reportedly emphasized the necessity of her detention, citing a high risk of evidence destruction due to her denial of the charges and the likelihood that she may evade investigation by frequent hospitalizations.
Former President Yoon Sukyeol's wife, Kim Gunhee, appeared on the 6th at the Minjungki Kim Gunhee Special Prosecutor's Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, as a suspect on charges including violation of the Capital Markets Act. August 6, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps
On this day, Assistant Prosecutor Moon commented on the possibility that Kim Gunhee might refuse to testify if detained, saying, "The investigation team is preparing for all scenarios from various perspectives, and we are ready whether she testifies or not. Based on her statements during the summons investigation, we expect she will not refuse to testify."
The hearing for Kim Gunhee's arrest warrant will be held at 10:10 a.m. on August 12 at the Seoul Central District Court, presided over by Judge Jeong Jaewook, who specializes in warrant reviews. The decision on whether to detain Kim Gunhee is expected as early as late at night on August 12. If the court issues the arrest warrant, it would mark the first time in constitutional history that a former president and spouse are detained simultaneously.
Meanwhile, on this day, the special prosecutor's team summoned Jeong, deputy director of Cheonmuwon of the Unification Church, for questioning in connection with the so-called "Geonjinbopsa solicitation allegations." Jeong is known as the deputy director of Cheonmuwon, the top administrative body of the Unification Church, and as the chief secretary to Han Hakja, president of the Unification Church. Jeong is suspected of being involved in the Unification Church's efforts to lobby Kim Gunhee on church matters by delivering items such as a diamond necklace and Chanel bag to her through Jeon Seongbae, also known as Geonjinbopsa, between April and August 2022.
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