The police have transferred the investigation details involving five individuals, including President Yoon, to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO). The police will expedite the investigation process, such as applying for warrants, through the CIO.
The police, in collaboration with the CIO and the Ministry of National Defense, have formed a joint investigation headquarters to expedite the investigation into President Yoon Suk-yeol, who faces charges of rebellion. They plan to summon President Yoon for direct questioning. As of now, the police have investigated seven cabinet members concerning the martial law situation.
The joint investigation headquarters has requested President Yoon to appear at the CIO on the morning of the 18th, indicating charges of being the “head of rebellion.” The notice will be delivered to the Presidential Office.
Previously, the Emergency Martial Law Special Investigation Team reported that President Yoon was notified to appear on the 15th but did not comply, and a second summons would be issued. This escalation has intensified the competitive tension between the prosecution and police over leading the investigation into President Yoon.
Alongside, the police National Investigation Headquarters’ Martial Law Special Investigation Unit transferred related investigation details, including those involving former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun and others, to the CIO. The police plan to continue investigating the rebellion charges while promptly handling matters like warrant applications through the CIO.
The head of the special task force stated that the National Investigation Headquarters accepted the CIO’s request for a quick and efficient martial law investigation, and will continuously provide relevant data obtained during the investigation to the CIO for joint efforts.
To date, the police have investigated seven cabinet members related to the martial law situation, including Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyoo-hong and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong. It’s also reported that Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae was recently questioned as a reference.