Marine Special Prosecutor Issues Third Summons to Yoon for Appearance on the 11th Morning

Compulsory Measures Expected, Including Arrest Warrant, If Yoon Fails to Comply

The special investigation team led by Special Prosecutor Lee Myunghyun, which is probing allegations of external pressure and cover-up in the death of Private Chae, has sent another summons to former President Yoon Sukyeol, requesting his appearance on November 11. This marks the third summons.

On November 8, the special investigation team announced to the media, "We have sent a summons by fax to Seoul Detention Center, requesting former President Yoon to appear at 10 a.m. on the 11th." Former President Yoon is currently being held at Seoul Detention Center.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol attended the first trial on charges of "obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights" held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on September 26. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Former President Yoon did not comply with the previous two summonses, issued on October 23 and again on this day. The reasons cited were either the circumstances of his legal team or his court schedule.

If former President Yoon fails to comply with the third summons, the special investigation team is expected to initiate compulsory measures, including applying for an arrest warrant. Special Prosecutor Jeong Minyoung has previously stated that if former President Yoon continues to refuse to cooperate without valid reasons, compulsory measures such as requesting an arrest warrant could be considered.

Former President Yoon is under investigation as a suspect on charges of abuse of authority and aiding and abetting a suspect's escape. He is alleged to be the central figure in the so-called "VIP outrage," which is considered the starting point of the external pressure allegations in the Chae case. He is also suspected of exerting undue influence on the Presidential Office and the Ministry of National Defense to exclude former Marine Corps 1st Division Commander Lim Sunggeun from the list of suspects.

Additionally, former President Yoon is a key suspect in the external pressure allegations and is accused of appointing former Minister of National Defense Lee Jongseop, who was under a travel ban and under investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), as Ambassador to Australia to facilitate his escape. The special investigation team plans to question former President Yoon in order, first regarding the external pressure allegations, and then about the allegations related to former Minister Lee's escape, should he appear for questioning.