Will South Korea's Ex-PM Han Be Questioned Again in Martial Law Investigation?

Click to start listening
Will South Korea's Ex-PM Han Be Questioned Again in Martial Law Investigation?

Synopsis

In a significant turn of events, South Korea's former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is set to face questioning once more regarding his involvement in the controversial martial law declaration by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol. As investigations intensify, the implications of Han's actions may reshape the political landscape.

Key Takeaways

  • Han Duck-soo is facing renewed questioning regarding martial law.
  • The investigation centers around former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed declaration.
  • Han is suspected of being a significant accomplice.
  • The outcome of the questioning may lead to an arrest warrant.
  • Han cooperated with investigators during the initial session.

Seoul, Aug 20 (NationPress) A special counsel team in South Korea announced on Wednesday that it intends to question former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo once again later this week concerning his suspected role in the failed martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to special counsel Cho Eun-suk, Han has been summoned to appear for additional questioning at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, following an extensive 16-hour interrogation earlier this week.

Han faces allegations of failing to prevent Yoon's declaration on December 3 while serving as the president's second-in-command, with investigators believing he played a significant role as an accomplice.

After the questioning on Friday, the team will consider whether to request an arrest warrant for Han, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

During this week's intensive session, Han reportedly cooperated with investigators and chose not to invoke his right to remain silent.

He was one of six Cabinet members consulted by Yoon regarding the martial law declaration and participated in both a Cabinet meeting that reviewed the decree and another that lifted it on December 4.

Investigators suspect that Han attempted to lend procedural legitimacy to Yoon's declaration by proposing a Cabinet meeting with a quorum.

Han has informed police investigators that he tried to dissuade Yoon from declaring martial law by suggesting a discussion with other Cabinet members.

Last month, Cho’s team conducted a raid on Han's residence to seize relevant materials for evidence.

On Tuesday, Han Duck-soo appeared before the special counsel team for further questioning regarding his alleged involvement in Yoon’s unsuccessful martial law attempt.

As he arrived at Cho Eun-suk's office in southern Seoul, Han did not answer reporters' inquiries, and the session was expected to center on claims that he aided Yoon's martial law efforts on December 3.

Following the questioning, special prosecutors were anticipated to decide on whether to pursue an arrest warrant against Han, considering the prime minister's essential role in the martial law declaration process.

Point of View

The ongoing investigation into former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is a crucial moment for South Korea's political accountability. The allegations surrounding his involvement in Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration raise significant questions about governance and the rule of law during turbulent times.
NationPress
08/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for Han Duck-soo's questioning?
Han Duck-soo is being questioned for his alleged role in the failed martial law declaration by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, where he is suspected of being an accomplice.
When will Han Duck-soo be questioned again?
Han Duck-soo is scheduled for another round of questioning on Friday at 9:30 a.m.
What could be the outcome of the questioning?
The special counsel team may decide to request an arrest warrant for Han after the questioning session.
How long was the previous questioning session?
The previous questioning session lasted approximately 16 hours.
What role did Han Duck-soo play in the martial law declaration?
As the second-in-command to the president, Han is accused of failing to prevent the declaration and possibly aiding it.
Nation Press