Gwacheon: The state anti-corruption agency is set to make another attempt on Wednesday to forcibly bring in detained President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning regarding his failed martial law bid, as confirmed by the chief of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Oh Dong-woon, the CIO chief, emphasized the necessity for President Yoon's compliance with judicial decisions as he arrived at the Gwacheon office, located just south of Seoul. "President Yoon Suk Yeol's side also needs to respect the decision of the judiciary," Oh remarked to reporters, indicating the agency's intent to proceed with their efforts to bring in Yoon for questioning.
The CIO has resorted to this forceful measure due to President Yoon's persistent refusal to comply with orders concerning his December 3 martial law declaration. Attempts made by investigators on Monday and Tuesday at the Seoul Detention Center were thwarted by non-cooperation from Yoon's side, leading to their withdrawal.
Oh highlighted the available legal recourse for objections, stating, "If there are objections, they can follow the steps to appeal within the legal framework." He also noted the human rights regulations that prevent questioning of a suspect without consent after 9 p.m., which Yoon leveraged by returning to the detention center late on Tuesday after attending his impeachment trial and a health examination at a military hospital.
Commenting on the situation, Oh described it as a "game of hide-and-seek" in response to Yoon's strategic movements to avoid questioning. Despite acknowledging the delay seemed intentional, Oh expressed regret over the incident, reinforcing the CIO's commitment to the investigation.