Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol Ignores Second Summons Over Martial Law Declaration

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has defied a second summons in a week to appear for questioning over his controversial declaration of martial law.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, had ordered Yoon to attend at 10 a.m. on Wednesday to address allegations of insurrection and abuse of power related to the martial law declaration.

This marks the second time in a week that Yoon has failed to comply with a summons, having previously ignored a request from prosecutors on December 15.

Yoon, a former top prosecutor, has been suspended from his duties since December 14, following his impeachment by the National Assembly. The impeachment vote passed with a 204-85 majority. The Constitutional Court of Korea is currently deliberating whether to uphold the motion, with a ruling expected within six months. For the motion to be confirmed, at least six of the nine justices must agree.

If the court confirms Yoon’s removal, new elections would be held within two months. Meanwhile, Yoon continues to defend his decision to declare martial law on December 4, which he stated was meant to tackle “anti-state forces.” Despite the growing political crisis, Yoon maintains that his actions were legal and has pledged to face the investigations with full transparency.

The court has scheduled a public hearing on the impeachment for December 27.