Yoon Suk Yeol Under Investigation Regarding Reasons for Declaring Martial Law

The impeached President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, was questioned by investigators on Saturday (6/6) regarding allegations of abuse of power and the obstruction of the rights of others. The probe concerns messages sent to justify his failed attempt to impose martial law in 2024.

Yoon, who is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Centre, arrived at the special counsel’s office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul. This marks the first time he has been interrogated by the special counsel team since its formation on 25 February.

He is alleged to have directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Office (NSO) to send messages to allied nations, including the United States, portraying his declaration of martial law as a legitimate action. These messages reportedly claimed the move was a necessary measure to protect democracy and confront pro-North Korean forces.

The NSO is believed to have conveyed Yoon’s messages to the National Intelligence Service a day after the martial law declaration on 3 December 2024. The messages were subsequently translated into English and presented to a CIA official. The ongoing investigation is reportedly focusing on Yoon’s motives for sending these messages and the circumstances surrounding their transmission.

Yoon was removed from office last year after being found guilty of imposing martial law. He is currently serving a life sentence related to the martial law verdict, and faces several other legal challenges, including allegations ranging from drone espionage involving North Korea to illegal campaign fund scandals.