SEOUL, Dec 20 - South Korean police have questioned Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo as part of an investigation into the recent decision to impose martial law. This inquiry follows a cabinet meeting on December 3, attended by Han and eleven others, just before President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial late-night announcement of martial law.
Han, who became acting president after Yoon's impeachment, is being investigated as a suspect in the case. The main opposition Democratic Party had previously reported him to police, accusing him of insurrection. Han has publicly stated that he opposed the martial law declaration, which was retracted after only six hours due to backlash from lawmakers.
President Yoon is currently facing a trial in the Constitutional Court regarding his impeachment and potential restoration of presidential powers. He also faces investigations concerning whether his martial law declaration constituted insurrection, a charge that does not afford him presidential immunity.
A joint investigation team, including police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, has summoned Yoon for questioning on December 25. This follows his failure to respond to an earlier summons. Police attempts to gather evidence from Yoon's office have been obstructed by the presidential office's security service.
In the political landscape, opposition parties are preparing for a confirmation hearing for new Constitutional Court judges, a process that the ruling party has pledged to boycott. Currently, the court has six judges with three vacancies, and there is contention over whether an acting president can appoint new judges.