Seoul: A special prosecutor investigating former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law has summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and two other ministers. This is part of a broader investigation into the actions of Cabinet members on the night martial law was declared.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Special Counsel Cho Eun-suk is examining whether Yoon abused his power or if certain Cabinet ministers collaborated in the unsuccessful martial law attempt on December 3 of last year. This was when the ousted president declared martial law. Earlier today, both Han and Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun appeared for questioning but chose not to speak to reporters as they entered the special counsel's office.
Cho's team is investigating claims that another document regarding the martial law declaration was created shortly after Yoon's announcement. Han is said to have signed the document, which was drafted by Kang Eui-gu, a former secretary at the presidential office, but later requested that it be discarded.
The special counsel team also summoned Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im to question him about his participation in Cabinet meetings around the time of Yoon's martial law declaration. Yoo reportedly missed the meeting just before the declaration but was present at the meeting held hours later to rescind the order.
The inquiry continues as Yoon's legal team has confirmed that the former president will attend the special counsel's second round of questioning this Saturday. During a press briefing, Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special counsel, revealed that the team is also investigating Kim Jeong-hwan, a former senior official in the office of the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. Kim is believed to have received orders from Yoon to summon Cabinet members, including Ahn, former Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, and current Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryung, to the meeting held before the martial law declaration.
Additionally, Park noted that the special counsel is upholding the travel ban imposed on Han.