Special counsel summons Yoon in probe into ex-first lady

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol attends a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul, Sept. 26. Joint Press Corps

A special counsel team said Wednesday it has summoned former President Yoon Suk Yeol to appear for questioning later this month in connection with a probe over alleged corruption cases involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki's team sent the notice to the head of the Seoul Detention Center the previous day, ordering Yoon to appear for questioning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 26, assistant special counsel Kim Hyeong-geun said during a press briefing.

If realized, this would mark the first appearance by Yoon since Min's team launched the investigation into the former first lady in July.

Yoon is accused of allegedly colluding with his wife in a range of issues. The former first lady is suspected of meddling in candidate nomination for elections with a political broker, and receiving a painting by renowned artist Lee Ufan in exchange for supporting a former prosecutor's parliamentary bid.

Yoon, who is in custody while standing trial over his failed bid to impose martial law in December, had dodged two earlier summonses by Min's team in July.