South Korea: Yoon Summoned for Questioning in Martial Law Investigation This Sunday
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Seoul, Dec 26 (NationPress) The anti-corruption investigation agency of South Korea has summoned President Yoon Suk Yeol to present himself for questioning this weekend concerning his short-lived declaration of martial law.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has issued a summons requiring Yoon to attend at its office in Gwacheon, located just south of Seoul, at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
This represents the CIO's third attempt to summon Yoon after he disregarded two prior summonses, including one on Christmas Day.
The CIO, in collaboration with the police and the defense ministry's investigative unit, is probing claims that Yoon incited an insurrection and misused his authority when he declared martial law on December 3, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In the meantime, President Yoon's political future is precarious as the Constitutional Court evaluates his impeachment trial related to his brief martial law declaration, which raises fears of a leadership void amidst ongoing economic and security challenges.
Yoon is poised for a challenging legal battle next year after being impeached and facing expanding investigations into his unsuccessful attempt to enforce military rule over the nation's democracy on December 3. The impeached president has characterized his martial law declaration as a governance action and has denied allegations of insurrection.
The allegations against him include inciting an insurrection and abusing power for deploying military forces to the National Assembly to obstruct lawmakers from overturning the decree.
The ultimate decision regarding his impeachment lies with the Constitutional Court, where a minimum of six out of nine justices must support the motion for his removal. This process could extend over a period of 180 days.
If Yoon, who was elected in May 2022 for a single five-year term, is ousted from his position, a snap election would be convened within 60 days.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the principal opposition Democratic Party (DP), is currently viewed as a leading candidate, although he is also facing his own legal challenges, including multiple corruption trials.
Following Yoon's suspension from office on December 14, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has taken on the role of interim leader.
A skilled technocrat experienced in diplomacy and trade, Han has committed to stabilizing state functions and maintaining the nation's security and economic strength during this transitional phase.
This political upheaval occurs during a difficult period for South Korea, as it strives to enhance alliances with the US and other partners in response to escalating threats from North Korea, especially given its growing military relations with Russia.
The instability also raises alarms about South Korea's capacity to effectively manage economic and security uncertainties, particularly with the anticipated return of former US President Donald Trump to the White House next month.
