South Korean President Yun Suk-yeol, whose powers were suspended as a result of impeachment in parliament, failed to appear for questioning at the Office of the Senior Officials Corruption Investigation Division in the sedition case, Yonhap reported.
He was supposed to arrive at the Gwacheon government complex by 10:00 a.m. local time. Before that, the joint investigation team tried to submit subpoenas for questioning to the presidential administration and his residence through its representatives and sent its request by mail. The presidential secretariat and the security service refused to accept them, stating that this was not within their authority.
The head of the anti-corruption investigation department, Oh Dong Wong, said on Tuesday that the summonses were not intentionally accepted and that law enforcement agencies would take action in accordance with the law. The department is considering whether, in this situation, it is possible to request a warrant for the president's arrest. Previously, his officials considered that arresting without a warrant and trying to obtain one later was not preferable. Law enforcement agencies also allow the possibility of re-organizing the interrogation.
In parallel, the prosecutor's office is conducting its own investigation. It summoned the president for questioning on December 15, but he did not appear. The prosecution has issued a second summons for December 21.
On December 11, the High-Level Corruption Investigation Division, the police, and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea agreed to join forces to investigate the events surrounding the declaration of martial law in a joint investigation team. South Korean law allows for the prosecution of the current head of state in cases of rebellion and treason.