South Korean law enforcement authorities are seeking to summon impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol for questioning regarding his brief imposition of martial law, as the Constitutional Court held its first session on Monday to decide whether to remove him from office or reinstate him.
A joint investigative team, composed of police, an anti-corruption agency, and the Defense Ministry, announced plans to formally request Yoon’s appearance for questioning on Wednesday. The investigation centers on whether his controversial martial law decree constituted an attempted rebellion.
Yoon was impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Saturday over his December 3 martial law declaration. His presidential powers are now suspended pending a Constitutional Court decision on his fate. Should Yoon be removed, a national election to elect his successor must be held within 60 days.
Defending his actions, Yoon claimed the martial law decree was necessary to counter the liberal Democratic Party, which he accused of being “anti-state forces” obstructing his governance. He has vowed to fight efforts to remove him, asserting his decision was essential for governance.
The impeachment has sparked massive protests in Seoul, with hundreds of thousands of demonstrators demanding Yoon’s removal and arrest.
It remains uncertain whether Yoon will comply with the investigators’ request for an interview. Prosecutors conducting a separate inquiry into the matter reportedly also summoned Yoon for questioning on Sunday, but he refused. Attempts to reach the prosecution office for comment were unsuccessful.
In a related development, Yoon’s presidential security service blocked police efforts to search his office for evidence.
The Constitutional Court, which convened Monday, has up to 180 days to issue its ruling. However, analysts believe the court may deliver a verdict sooner.
