(LEAD) Ex-President Yoon questioned over messages to justify failed imposition of martial law

Lead

SEOUL — Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before a special counsel team Saturday for questioning over allegations that he abused power and obstructed rights in connection with messages reportedly used to justify his failed martial law declaration in December 2024. Yoon, who is currently detained at the Seoul Detention Center, arrived at the special counsel's office in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul, at about 9:50 a.m., according to multiple reports from Yonhap News Agency.

Coverage Comparison

All four reports from Yonhap News Agency, which provided extensive coverage of the event, agree on the core facts: Yoon was questioned by the special counsel team led by special counsel Kwon Chang-young, that the questioning related to messages alleged to have been directed to the foreign ministry and the National Security Office (NSO), and that Yoon denied the main allegations. The reports vary slightly in the details: some note that Yoon remained at the office for about 6 1/2 hours, while others say the questioning lasted about six hours from around 9:50 a.m. One report adds that the actual questioning lasted only about two hours due to disruptions in the morning session, during which Yoon refused to be questioned by a police officer seconded to the team and demanded that a person with prosecutorial authority be present.

Key Claims

The central allegation, as reported by multiple sources, is that Yoon directed the foreign ministry and the National Security Office to send messages to allies, including the United States, portraying his martial law declaration as legitimate. The messages reportedly framed the measures as necessary to safeguard democracy and counter pro-North Korean forces, according to reports from Yonhap.

According to the special counsel team, as cited in the reports, the NSO was believed to have delivered Yoon's message to the National Intelligence Service the day after the martial law declaration on Dec. 3, 2024, where it was translated into English and briefed to a CIA official. Investigators are said to have focused on Yoon's intention behind the messages and the circumstances surrounding their transmission.

Yoon reportedly denied the main allegations during the questioning. One of Yoon's lawyers told Yonhap News Agency after the session: "Yoon did not issue detailed instructions to either the NSO or the foreign ministry, nor did he receive any follow-up reports. He only made a general comment that the government should do a better job of public communication."

Perspectives

From Yoon's perspective, as conveyed through his lawyer, he did not give specific orders regarding the messages and only made a general comment about improving public communication. This suggests that he views the allegations as overblown and that he was not directly involved in crafting or disseminating the messages.

The special counsel team's focus, as described in the reports, indicates that investigators believe there is sufficient evidence to suggest Yoon played a direct role in instructing officials to send the messages, and they are examining his intent and the chain of command. The team has been investigating since its launch on Feb. 25, and this was Yoon's first appearance before it.

It is also worth noting that Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment by a district court in February over his failed martial law bid, according to one report. He is being held at the Seoul Detention Center while appealing or otherwise challenging the conviction.

Background

Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, in a move that was quickly overturned by the National Assembly. The declaration led to widespread protests and political turmoil, ultimately resulting in Yoon's impeachment and subsequent criminal prosecution. The messages at the center of this investigation were allegedly sent to allies, including the United States, to justify the declaration as a protective measure against pro-North Korean forces.

The special counsel investigation is one of several legal proceedings involving Yoon, who has been in custody since his conviction. The outcome of this questioning could have implications for his ongoing legal battles and for South Korea's political landscape.