Former President Yoon Seok-yeol appeared for the first time as a suspect before the special prosecutor’s team led by Lim Myung-hyun on November 11, regarding allegations of exerting pressure on the investigation into the death of Marine Corporal Chae. The former president arrived at the special prosecutor’s office in Seocho, Seoul, at 9:47 a.m., via a Ministry of Justice vehicle, entering the building through the basement. The appearance was conducted privately due to safety concerns and a request from Yoon’s legal team.
During the routine briefing, Jeong Min-young, a special lawyer, stated that they planned to question Yoon on matters he was informed about and directed in a series of actions after the death of Corporal Chae. The questioning, which began at 10:20 a.m., included prosecutors Cheon Dae-won and Park Sang-hyun and covered issues like alleged investigation interference. It was reported that the prepared question list on this subject is over 100 pages long.
Yoon reportedly did not exercise his right to remain silent during the questioning. His legal representation included lawyers Bae Bo-yoon and Chae Myung-sun, and he had a consultation with his lawyers before the questioning began but did not meet separately with the special prosecutor’s team.
The investigation also plans to explore allegations regarding the appointment of former Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop as the ambassador to Australia and lifting his travel ban, possibly linked to his escape. Prosecutor Jeong Hyun-seung was tasked with looking into the escape allegations, and further investigation will depend on the progression of ongoing matters. The special prosecutor indicated that if Yoon agrees, they might conduct late-night questioning.
Yoon is suspected of conspiring with Lee and others to exert undue influence during the investigation of Corporal Chae’s death, specifically removing higher-ranking officers from being suspects (abuse of power). Additionally, it is alleged that Yoon attempted to facilitate Lee’s escape abroad by appointing him as an ambassador after Lee became a subject of investigation and was barred from leaving the country (facilitation of an escape and abuse of power).