South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, under arrest for alleged insurrection linked to his attempted martial law declaration, declined a second day of questioning on Thursday. His refusal to cooperate has stalled the criminal investigation into his actions, which have plunged the country into its most severe political crisis in decades.
Yoon, arrested on Wednesday and taken to the Seoul Detention Centre, became the first sitting South Korean president to be detained. His legal team cited his health as a reason for his continued non-cooperation. Authorities have a 48-hour window to question him, after which they must either release him or seek a warrant for extended detention of up to 20 days.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court held its second hearing in Yoon’s impeachment trial, which could result in his permanent removal from office or reinstatement of his presidential powers. The crisis stems from Yoon’s brief attempt to declare martial law on December 3, which was swiftly rejected by parliament.
During the hearing, opposition lawmaker Jung Chung-rae accused Yoon of orchestrating the “Dec. 3 insurrection” and argued that his impeachment was necessary to prevent his return as commander-in-chief. Yoon’s legal team countered that the impeachment was a politically motivated move by the opposition to seize power.
The impeachment vote, initiated by the opposition Democratic Party, gained support from some members of Yoon’s ruling party. Public sentiment also appears to favor his impeachment, with polls showing 73.6% support immediately following his martial law declaration.
Yoon’s defense maintains that his actions were in response to a perceived national emergency, calling the investigation and arrest warrant unlawful. His legal team has requested a review of the warrant’s validity, halting the 48-hour detention period temporarily.
Protests in support of Yoon have emerged, with his followers labeling the arrest illegitimate. His legal team has denied allegations of insurrection, a charge punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty in South Korea, though the last executions occurred in 1997.
The political turmoil has impacted South Korea’s economy, with the central bank governor emphasizing the need for political stability over immediate economic measures.
The Bank of Korea surprised analysts by holding interest rates steady at 3.00% on Thursday, underscoring the uncertainty gripping the nation.
