Ex-president given 5-day ultimatum to appear for sedition inquiry

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was given a five-day deadline on Tuesday to appear for questioning by 9 a.m. Saturday over sedition allegations tied to his declaration of martial law last year.

The investigation team, led by independent counsel Cho Eun-suk, warned it will seek a court warrant to detain Yoon if he once again fails to comply.

“If he fails to appear even on the fifth, then since all the (legal) requirements will have been met, I think the court will issue a warrant,” Park Ji-young, a deputy to the special counsel, said during a press briefing. “The fifth is our final notice to appear.”

This ultimatum follows Yoon’s refusal to attend questioning on Tuesday, citing health issues, as well as a scheduled court hearing Thursday for his criminal trial on insurrection charges. Yoon, who was impeached and removed from office after declaring martial law in December 2024, had previously indicated through his lawyers that Saturday was the earliest possible date for his appearance.

If he shows up, it will mark his second interrogation by the team, following an initial session on June 28. Prior to his first appearance, he requested to enter the Seoul High Prosecutors’ Office through the underground parking lot to avoid public and media attention ― a request denied by the special prosecutor.

During the first session, questioning was disrupted for several hours after Yoon objected to procedures he claimed infringed on his rights. Despite a 15-hour stay, investigators were able to question him for only about five hours.

The investigation, launched in June, is examining Yoon’s decision to declare martial law and allegations that he and his associates attempted to provoke North Korea’s military ― such as by deploying drones across the border ― to justify imposing military rule.

Additionally, two other special prosecutors were appointed in June to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Yoon’s wife and claims that the presidential office obstructed an inquiry into the 2023 death of a marine.