South Korea questions ex-PM, minister in probe

Seoul

A special prosecutor in South Korea has summoned former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun for questioning over an attempt to impose martial law last year. The investigation focuses on whether ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol abused his power and if Cabinet members helped him on December 3, 2024, when martial law was announced but later failed.

Both Han and Ahn arrived for questioning on Wednesday but did not speak to reporters as they entered the special counsel’s office.

Special counsel Cho Eun-suk and her team are examining if a separate document related to martial law was secretly created right after Yoon’s declaration. Reports suggest Han signed this document, which was drafted by Kang Eui-gu, a former secretary at the presidential office. However, Han later requested that it be discarded.

Meanwhile, Yoon Suk Yeol has agreed to appear for questioning by the special counsel on Saturday at 9 a.m. He had earlier asked to change the time to 10 a.m. but later withdrew his request, his lawyers said.

The investigation is widening as officials aim to understand who was involved in the failed martial law attempt and how deeply other top officials were connected.

The probe follows Yoon’s removal from office and is part of South Korea’s efforts to hold leaders accountable for possible misuse of power. The outcome could have serious consequences for those involved, affecting their political futures and public trust in government. More details are expected as questioning continues this week.