Did South Korea's Former Prosecution Chief Appear for Special Counsel Questioning Over Martial Law?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shim Woo-jung appeared for questioning regarding martial law.
- The investigation focuses on former President Yoon Suk Yeol's actions.
- Allegations include improper mobilization of prosecutors.
- Political accountability is under scrutiny in South Korea.
- This case highlights serious questions about government integrity.
Seoul, Sep 21 (NationPress) Former Prosecutor General of South Korea, Shim Woo-jung, made his appearance on Sunday for an interrogation conducted by a special counsel team as part of the investigation surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt.
Shim arrived at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office around 9:54 a.m. to engage in questioning led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk. He refrained from addressing inquiries from the media regarding allegations tied to his role in the martial law imposition.
The investigation has focused on claims that Shim received directives from then Justice Minister Park Sung-jae to deploy prosecutors to a joint investigation headquarters shortly after Yoon's martial law announcement on December 3, according to reports by Yonhap news agency.
Shim is under suspicion for making three phone calls with Park overnight during December 3-4.
The special counsel is also reportedly delving into accusations that a prosecutor from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office was sent to the National Election Commission (NEC) on the very day of the martial law declaration.
Earlier this year, Yoon admitted to ordering the deployment of troops to the NEC offices amid his martial law declaration due to suspicions regarding election fraud.
Furthermore, Cho's team is investigating the reasons why Shim did not contest a court ruling in March that allowed Yoon, who faced indictment on insurrection charges, to be released from custody.
Shim's choice facilitated Yoon's trial without detention until he was arrested again in July when the Seoul Central District Court approved an arrest warrant requested by Cho's team.