Han Donghoon Fails to Receive Court Summons Due to "Absence with Closed Door"
Compulsory Summons and Fines Possible for Unjustified Noncompliance
Court: "Next Session Scheduled for October 2"
Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon did not appear for the witness examination scheduled for the 23rd, as he did not receive the court’s subpoena. Previously, special prosecutor Cho Eunseok’s team investigating the insurrection had requested a pre-trial witness examination of Han in connection with allegations of obstructing the resolution to lift martial law.
On the 20th, candidate Han Donghoon of Group B is speaking at the first round group debate for the 21st presidential candidate of the People Power Party held at ASSA Art Hall in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. April 20, 2025 Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On this day, Judge Jeon Eunjin of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 held a session for Han’s witness examination, but the examination did not proceed due to Han’s absence.
The court sent subpoenas to Han on both the 12th and 18th, but neither was delivered, as the delivery location was found closed and unoccupied. This situation, referred to as “closed and unoccupied,” means the door was shut and no one was present at the address. The court attempted one general delivery by mail and two special deliveries by a court bailiff, but all attempts failed.
The court stated, “We intend to summon the witness again to proceed with the examination,” and designated the next session for October 2 at 10 a.m.
Earlier, on the 10th, the special prosecutor’s team requested a pre-trial witness examination of Han from the court. A pre-trial witness examination is a procedure in which, if an investigative agency’s witness refuses to appear or testify, the court is asked to summon the witness before the first trial to secure their statement. Investigative agencies may require suspects or witnesses to appear, and the court may summon defendants or witnesses. As a court summons is compulsory, failure to comply without a valid reason may result in the issuance of a warrant of arrest or a fine.
The special prosecutor’s team maintains that Han’s testimony is necessary regarding allegations that former People Power Party floor leader Chu Kyungho repeatedly changed the location of the parliamentary caucus on the day of martial law, preventing party lawmakers from participating in the vote to lift martial law.
On this day, Chu’s legal team, who attended the examination, filed a motion to cancel the special prosecutor’s request for a witness examination, arguing that it was unjustified. Chu’s attorney stated, “The changes in the caucus location were an unavoidable response to police blockading the National Assembly, and this can be sufficiently proven with objective evidence,” adding, “The special prosecutor’s indiscriminate search of the party and summoning of witnesses is an unjust political investigation.”
The court responded, “The decision to conduct a witness examination in this case was made after thoroughly considering various circumstances,” and added, “We will review the contents of the cancellation request once more.”
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