Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has refused to comply with a summons for questioning on Christmas Day, marking the second time in a week he has defied investigators’ demands.
Investigators had ordered Yoon to appear at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday (GMT 0100), but he declined without providing an explanation. This follows his absence from a previous hearing last Wednesday.
Yoon, a former prosecutor and conservative leader, was suspended by parliament on December 14 after declaring martial law—a move that triggered South Korea’s most severe political crisis in decades. He now faces impeachment and criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The Corruption Investigation Office is weighing whether to issue another summons or seek a court order for Yoon’s arrest to compel his appearance. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is deliberating on the impeachment motion, with a ruling required within six months. If upheld, a by-election must be held within 60 days of the court’s decision.
This situation mirrors the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, though Park was only investigated after the Constitutional Court officially removed her from office.
Adding to the political tension, South Korea’s opposition Democratic Party has delayed its decision to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo, criticizing his refusal to sign special bills to investigate Yoon.
The case continues to send shockwaves across democratic South Korea and its global allies.