(Deutsche Welle [DW]): On Wednesday, South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol was summoned to testify before the state's anti-corruption authorities, but he chose not to attend. The summons relates to his controversial declaration of martial law earlier in December.
Prosecutors and anti-corruption investigators are looking into Yoon's sudden decision to declare martial law, which caused strong criticism from lawmakers and parties. The action sparked immediate political criticism and calls for its reversal.
In response, lawmakers passed a resolution calling on the president to end martial law. One of the main issues in the continuing investigations is Yoon's decision to impose martial law without widespread agreement.
Yoon's unsuccessful attempt to impose military rule was one of the main grounds given by the South Korean parliament when it decided to impeach him on December 14. Although he is not immediately removed from office, the impeachment effectively suspends his presidential powers.
The Constitutional Court must now examine the impeachment ruling to see whether Yoon may be officially removed from office. Because of this process, the final outcome might not be determined for several months.
On December 25, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials attempted to question Yoon, but Yoon declined. According to Yonhap News Agency, the agency plans to wait for Yoon's cooperation before deciding on the next step, which can involve issuing an arrest warrant.
Yoon had already disregarded a different summons from prosecutors looking into his proclamation of martial law on December 15. He has come under heavy fire for his frequent absences from these court appearances.
Following his conduct, Yoon apologized and declared that he would not avoid political or legal repercussions. Members of the opposing party, meanwhile, have criticized his intransigence for refusing to cooperate with the probes.
Critics claim that Yoon's lack of cooperation may lead to the destruction of evidence that is necessary for the ongoing investigations. It is this concern that has led to calls for a thorough investigation of the problem.
Yoon may be accused of leading an insurgency, among other serious charges. South Korean law stipulates that a conviction on these offenses may result in a life sentence or even the death penalty.
As the investigations continue, there is growing pressure on Yoon to cooperate with law police. South Korea is now worried about the president's future after he disregarded summonses, which escalated political tensions.
