South Korea's ex-President Yoon Suk-yeol faces further probe by special prosecutor

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol was questioned by the comprehensive special prosecutor team on June 6 for about six and a half hours. The investigation focused on allegations that Yoon, after the December 3 emergency martial law declaration, ordered the National Security Office and the National Intelligence Service to convey messages justifying the martial law to foreign agencies such as the CIA, constituting possible abuse of power.

The special prosecutor, led by Kwun Chang‑young, is also reviewing separate allegations concerning the president’s former residence renovation. Investigators are examining whether Yoon directly intervened in the selection of the contractor “21 Gram” and the illegal diversion of roughly 2.8 billion won in budget funds. The team has indicated that Yoon may be summoned again, with a further hearing planned for June 13 that could address rebellion charges under the military law, which carry the death penalty.

These inquiries are part of a broader crackdown that has already led to the indictment of several senior officials, including former chief of staff Kim Dae‑gi and former secretary‑general Yoon Jae‑soon. The investigations continue to expand, potentially involving additional high‑level officials and other aspects of Yoon’s former administration.