Special counsel again extends probe into ex-President Yoon by 30 days

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol enters a courtroom at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul to attend the first hearing of his second trial on martial law-related charges, Sept. 26. Joint Press Corps

A special counsel team said Friday it will extend its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law by another 30 days.

The team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk launched in June and extended its probe once before. Under the second extension, the investigation will run through Nov. 14.

"The special counsel reported the extension decision to the president and the National Assembly," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young said during a press briefing.

The second extension was made possible through the National Assembly's amendments to three special counsel bills targeting Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, last month.

Under the original bills, the special counsels could use their discretion to extend their investigations by 30 days and then obtain another 30-day extension with the president's approval.

The revised bills allow two 30-day extensions at their discretion.

With the president's approval, Cho's team can extend its investigation through mid-December.