Han Donghoon Fails to Receive Court Subpoena Due to "Absence With Door Closed"... Witness Examination on 23rd Uncertain

Special Prosecutor Investigating 'Obstruction of Martial Law Lift' Allegations
Witness Subpoena Undelivered Three Times Due to Absence with Door Closed
Compulsory Apprehension or Fine Possible for Unjustified Noncompliance

Former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon is not expected to attend the witness examination scheduled for September 23, as he has not received the court's subpoena. Previously, Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok's team investigating the insurrection case requested a pre-trial witness examination of Han in connection with allegations of obstructing the resolution to lift martial law.

People Power Party presidential candidate Han Donghoon listens to candidate Kim Moonsoo's acceptance speech at the 5th Party Convention held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province on May 3, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongjoo

According to the legal community on September 22, Judge Jeon Eunjin of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 31 sent subpoenas to Han on September 12 and 18, but both were returned undelivered due to "absence with door closed." This term means that the location for delivery was closed and unattended.

The court attempted ordinary delivery by mail once and special delivery by a court bailiff twice, but all attempts failed due to "absence with door closed," and the subpoenas were not delivered.

Earlier, on September 10, the special prosecutor's team requested a pre-trial witness examination of Han. A pre-trial witness examination is a procedure in which, if an investigative agency's witness refuses to appear or testify, the court is asked to summon the person as a witness before the first trial to secure their testimony. Investigative agencies may require suspects or witnesses to appear, and the court may summon defendants or witnesses.

The special prosecutor's team believes Han's testimony is necessary regarding allegations that former People Power Party floor leader Chu Kyungho repeatedly changed the venue of the parliamentary caucus meeting on the day of the martial law, thereby preventing party lawmakers from participating in the vote to lift martial law. The court accepted the special prosecutor's request on September 12 and designated September 23 as the date for the examination.

However, since Han has not received the subpoena, it is increasingly unlikely that the witness examination will take place. As court summons carry legal force, failure to comply without just cause may result in the issuance of a warrant of apprehension or the imposition of a fine.

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