Ex-PM Han summoned for questioning in martial law probe

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo arrives at the Seoul High Prosecutors Office, July 2, to undergo a special counsel's questioning over the Dec. 3 martial law imposition. Yonhap

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo for questioning this week over his alleged involvement in the Dec. 3 martial law imposition by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials said Monday.

The special counsel requested Han appear for questioning at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.

Cho's team has been investigating allegations that Han aided Yoon's efforts to impose the martial law decree on Dec. 3 last year, rather than trying to stop him from proceeding with it.

They suspect that Han sought to give it procedural legitimacy and took part in drafting and destroying a revised version of the martial law decree, potentially making him an accomplice.

Han testified at the National Assembly in February that he was not aware of the martial law decree until a Cabinet meeting lifted martial law on Dec. 4. Han later claimed that he realized a copy of the decree was in his back pocket.

But the special counsel has reportedly secured surveillance footage from the presidential office that shows Han looking through martial law documents.

Late last month, Cho's team raided Han's residence to confiscate related materials for evidence.