Special counsel to extend probe into martial law case by 30 days

Assistant special counsel Park Ji-young speaks during a press briefing at the press room of the High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho District, southern Seoul, August 19. Yonhap

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team said Thursday it will extend its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law case by 30 days until mid-October.

Under a bill mandating the investigation, the initial duration was set at 90 days until the middle of this month. With the extension, it will run through Oct. 15.

"We reported the reasons to the National Assembly and the president in writing," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young said during a press briefing.

Cho's team has been investigating various charges related to Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law in December, including charges that he led an insurrection and incited foreign aggression.

Yoon has been in custody since his second arrest on July 10 and standing trial on insurrection and abuse of power charges.