South Korea's Former President Yoon Refuses Questioning, Citing Health Issues

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently detained and facing trial on rebellion and other charges, refused to attend questioning by investigators on Friday by removing his prison uniform and lying on the floor of his detention cell, according to officials.

Special counsel Min Joong-ki, appointed by President Lee Jae Myung, sent investigators to bring Yoon in for questioning regarding allegations that he and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, exerted improper influence over the ruling party's nomination process in 2022. The investigators held a court-issued warrant authorizing them to remove Yoon by force, but said they preferred his voluntary cooperation.

"Without wearing his prison uniform, the suspect lay down on the floor and strongly resisted his detention," assistant special counsel Oh Jeong-hee said during a televised briefing. Oh added that the team refrained from using physical force due to safety concerns, but warned that the warrant would be executed if Yoon continued to resist. She called on Yoon to cooperate, noting public interest in equal enforcement of the law.

Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho told lawmakers that Yoon removed his shorts and shirt, but dressed again after investigators left. Yoon's lawyer, Yu Jeong-hwa, criticized the special counsel team for publicly discussing Yoon's attire, saying it undermined his dignity, according to local media.

Yoon's legal team stated that he is unable to participate in questioning or attend trial due to health problems, including cardiovascular and eye issues, and cited a hospital report warning of a risk of blindness due to lack of treatment.

Yoon was removed from office in April following his declaration of martial law, which was overturned by lawmakers within hours. He maintains that his actions were an attempt to counter opposition from the Democratic Party, then led by current President Lee.