Special Prosecutor for Insurrection: "Yoon Detained to Ensure Smooth Investigation, Not Grounds for Bail"

Special Prosecutor: "Yoon has not responded to the summons for foreign exchange charges on the 30th"

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the first trial on charges of 'obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights' held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 26th. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Regarding former President Yoon Sukyeol's claim during a bail hearing in court that "it is impossible to respond to the trial and special prosecutor's investigation while in detention," the Special Prosecutor's Office for the Insurrection Case (Special Prosecutor Cho Eunsuk) drew a clear line, stating, "This does not constitute grounds for bail."

On the 26th, Deputy Special Prosecutor Park Jiyoung said at a regular briefing, "Detention was imposed to ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, but it seems that each party holds a different position," clarifying the office's stance.

Regarding the court's decision to dismiss the request for a live broadcast of the bail hearing, Park stated, "While court decisions can generally be appealed, I understand that the decision for a closed hearing was made because personal information, such as medical conditions, could be disclosed. We believe it is a sufficiently reasonable decision and therefore have no intention to pursue a separate appeal process."

Additionally, the special prosecutor's team noted that former President Yoon did not comply with the summons for questioning on the 24th of this month and has not responded to the notice to appear on the 30th. The special prosecutor's team has notified former President Yoon to appear in relation to foreign exchange charges.

Meanwhile, regarding former Minister of Justice Park Sungjae, who is under suspicion of involvement in key insurrection duties, including the alleged order to dispatch prosecutors, the special prosecutor's team stated that they are reviewing whether to conduct further investigations or take additional criminal procedural steps.