[How Far Has the Special Prosecutor's Investigation Gone]② Progress on 'Treason Probe'... Can Foreign Interference Charges Be Proven?

About 70 Days Left for Treason Investigation
Custody Secured for Yoon, Lee Sangmin and Others
Focus Shifts to Foreign Interference Charges
Arrest Warrant Considered for Yoon After Refusal to Cooperate

Former President Yoon Seokyeol attended the first trial on charges of "obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority to interfere with the exercise of rights" held on the 26th of last month at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Joint Press Corps

The investigation into treason and foreign interference related to the December 3 Martial Law Incident has effectively passed a critical threshold. With approximately 70 days remaining for Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok's team to conduct the investigation, attention is focused on whether the full scope of the treason and foreign interference can be uncovered within the remaining period.

The special prosecutor's team is being credited with achieving all possible investigative outcomes at this stage, including the re-arrest of former President Yoon Seokyeol and securing the custody of former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sangmin on charges of colluding in treason.

Currently, the special prosecutor's team is concentrating its efforts on investigating former Minister of Justice Park Sungjae, who is suspected of ordering the Ministry of Justice's Prosecutors' Office to consider dispatching prosecutors to a joint investigation headquarters immediately after former President Yoon declared martial law, as well as the leadership of the People Power Party, who are under suspicion of interfering with the vote to lift martial law.

Progress on 'Treason Charges'... Investigation Ongoing

There is no doubt that the special prosecutor's team has made significant progress in its investigation of treason-related charges. By summoning key cabinet members who participated in the decision-making process for martial law and securing the custody of some individuals, as well as indicting high-profile figures such as former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, the special prosecutor's office has faithfully fulfilled its mandate since its inception.

However, the team has also faced criticism for what has been described as a "fishing expedition" during the investigation process. This perception appears to stem from the investigative style of Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok, the only former prosecutor among the three special prosecutors, who is known for relentlessly probing the weaknesses of those under investigation, starting from the top and working downward, thereby undermining the resolve of the targets.

Currently, the focus of the special prosecutor's team is on allegations of interference with the vote to lift martial law. Despite requests for cooperation from the special prosecutor's team, former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon and others have refused to comply, prompting the team to request witness examinations in court and conduct searches and seizures targeting former Floor Leader Chu Kyungho and others in an effort to clarify the suspicions.

Special Prosecutor's Success Hinges on 'Foreign Interference Charges'... Yoon Refuses to Cooperate

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

The special prosecutor's team is investigating allegations that former President Yoon Seokyeol ordered drones to be sent to North Korea to create a pretext for declaring martial law. The core of the suspicion is that, in connection with the "Pyongyang Drone Infiltration" incident carried out by the Drone Operations Command in October and November of last year, drones were flown before the declaration of martial law in an attempt to provoke an attack from North Korea. It has been reported that the special prosecutor's team obtained a recording around July in which someone stated, "I heard it was an order from V (former President Yoon Seokyeol)."

After the investigation into treason-related charges reached a certain stage, the special prosecutor's team has been focusing on the foreign interference charges. Both public and private summonses have been issued to military officials, including former Martial Law Commander Park Ansoo and former Drone Operations Commander Kim Yongdae, to verify the facts.

Recently, the special prosecutor's team notified former President Yoon Seokyeol to appear for questioning regarding the foreign interference charges, but he has continued to refuse, and the investigation has not proceeded. As former President Yoon is currently refusing both to respond to the special prosecutor's summons and to appear in court, it is highly likely that he will also ignore any further summons from the special prosecutor's team.

As a result, the special prosecutor's team is reportedly considering measures such as requesting an arrest warrant. A representative of the team stated, "We plan to proceed in accordance with the procedures of the Criminal Procedure Act, as with other suspects."