South Korea’s Former President Yoon Refuses Questioning

South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk Yeol, currently in detention and facing multiple criminal investigations, refused to cooperate with prosecutors on Friday, lying on the floor of his cell and declining to appear for questioning, according to a spokesperson for the special prosecution team.

Yoon, who was ousted from office in April by the Constitutional Court over his failed attempt to declare martial law last year, is under investigation by a special prosecutor appointed by President Lee Jae Myung. The team is probing a series of allegations, including influence-peddling and election interference involving both Yoon and his wife, former First Lady Kim Keon Hee.

Speaking at a press briefing, special prosecution spokesperson Oh Jung-hee said, The suspect stubbornly refused to comply, lying on the floor and not wearing a prison uniform. She added that prosecutors would attempt to question Yoon again, even if it required the use of force.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon was dressed only in his undershirt and underwear when investigators entered his cell. In response, his attorney Yu Jeong-hwa criticized the disclosure, calling it “a public insult” and a violation of his client’s dignity, especially given the extreme heat inside the cell, which reportedly reached close to 40°C (104°F).

Yoon was returned to solitary confinement at the Seoul Detention Center in July as prosecutors sought additional charges related to his attempted martial law declaration in December. He is already on trial for insurrection a charge that carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Beyond the insurrection case, Yoon is the subject of several other investigations, including alleged misconduct involving his wife. Prosecutors claim the couple improperly influenced past elections, an accusation both have denied. Yoon’s legal team has denounced the investigations as politically motivated.

His lawyers have repeatedly stated that Yoon is in poor health and unfit for interrogation, citing preexisting conditions, including a risk of vision loss.

Oh noted the public significance of the case, particularly given Yoon’s former role as the nation’s top prosecutor. He has long emphasized the rule of law, fairness, and common sense, she said. Now, the public is watching closely to see whether the law applies equally to all.

Separately, prosecutors have summoned Kim Keon Hee for questioning on August 6. Her legal team has confirmed she will cooperate with the investigation and maintain her innocence.