Special Prosecutor Summons Han for Alleged Participation and Abetment in Martial Law
Han Spoke with Chu Kyungho for Over Seven Minutes Immediately After Martial Law Declaration
Former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo, who is accused of participating in and abetting the December 3 emergency martial law incident, is appearing before the Special Prosecutor's Office for Internal Affairs led by Cho Eunseok, set up at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News
Former Prime Minister Han Deoksoo appeared before the special prosecutor team for insurrection (Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok) in connection with suspicions of drafting and destroying the emergency martial law proclamation after the fact. The special prosecutor’s team plans to review the details of the investigation into Han and then decide whether to request an arrest warrant.
At around 9:25 a.m. on the 19th, Han arrived at the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office in Seocho-dong, Seoul, where the special prosecutor’s office is located. He did not respond to reporters’ questions, such as “Do you still maintain that you did not participate in or abet the insurrection?” and proceeded directly to the interrogation room.
Han is suspected of participating in and abetting the process to secure procedural legitimacy for the illegal martial law. He reportedly signed a document drafted by Kang Uigu, former Presidential Secretary, after the imposition of martial law, but a few days later requested, “If it becomes known that an after-the-fact document was created, it could spark further controversy, so let’s pretend it never happened.” As a result, the document was ultimately destroyed.
The special prosecutor’s team has also identified circumstances in which Han, after the martial law was declared, questioned the legality of the martial law and the need for its termination, such as asking, “Is it alright that none of the cabinet members supported the martial law?” The investigation into these matters is ongoing.
Additionally, Han is accused of perjury before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, claiming he was not aware of the martial law proclamation. In February, Han testified before the National Assembly that “I was not aware of the martial law proclamation at all until the cabinet meeting to lift the martial law, and (later) I found it in the back pocket of my suit.” However, the special prosecutor’s team has obtained CCTV footage from the presidential office showing Han reviewing martial law documents.
The special prosecutor’s team has also obtained records of a phone call between former People Power Party floor leader Chu Kyungho and Han immediately after the martial law was declared. On December 3 of last year, at 11:12 p.m., Chu and Han spoke for more than seven minutes. During that call, Han reportedly told Chu, “All the cabinet members opposed it, but President Yoon Sukyeol pushed through with the emergency martial law.” The special prosecutor’s team presented these facts to People Power Party lawmaker Cho Kyungtae during his questioning.
Previously, on July 24, the special prosecutor’s team sent prosecutors and investigators to conduct a search and seizure at three locations, including Han’s residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The search of Han’s residence lasted about six hours. The targets also included the official residence in Samcheong-dong and the home of former Secretary Kang. Han had previously appeared before the special prosecutor’s team for a lengthy investigation on July 2.
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