Special Prosecutor to Summon Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo on 19th Over Alleged Complicity in Martial Law Proclamation

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo to Be Questioned by Special Prosecutor Over Post-Martial Law Proclamation Allegations
Accused of Aiding Procedural Legitimacy and Perjury
Home and Official Residences Searched Last Month

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is leaving the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office in Seocho-gu, Seoul, after being investigated by the Special Prosecutor for Internal Affairs on the 2nd of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

The Special Prosecutor's Office for Internal Affairs (Special Prosecutor Cho Eunsuk) has decided to summon and question former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo on the 19th in connection with allegations regarding the drafting and disposal of a post-martial law proclamation.

On the 18th, the special prosecutor's team announced that they had requested former Prime Minister Han to appear at the special prosecutor's office by 9:30 a.m. on the 19th.

Former Prime Minister Han is suspected of aiding and abetting the securing of procedural legitimacy for the illegal imposition of martial law. He signed a document prepared by Kang Uigu, former Presidential Secretary for Administrative Affairs, after the declaration of martial law. However, a few days later, Han reportedly requested, "If it becomes known that a post-factum document was created, it could spark another controversy, so let's pretend it never happened," and the document was ultimately destroyed.

The special prosecutor's team is also investigating circumstances in which former Prime Minister Han questioned the legality of the martial law and the need for its lifting, including asking, "Is it alright that none of the cabinet members supported the martial law?" after the declaration.

In addition, he is accused of perjury before the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly, claiming he was unaware of the martial law proclamation. In February, during a National Assembly session, Han testified, "I was completely unaware of the martial law proclamation until the Cabinet meeting for its lifting, and later discovered it in the back pocket of my suit." However, the special prosecutor's team has obtained CCTV footage from the presidential office showing Han reviewing documents related to the martial law proclamation.

Previously, on the 24th of last month, the special prosecutor's team sent prosecutors and investigators to conduct searches and seizures at three locations, including Han's residence in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The search at Han's residence lasted about six hours. The search targets also included the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong and the home of former Secretary Kang. On the 2nd of last month, Han appeared before the special prosecutor's team and was questioned for several hours.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.