South Korean law enforcement authorities said Monday they have summoned ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol for questioning this week on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month.
The joint investigation team, consisting of police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the Defense Ministry’s Investigative Unit, said on Wednesday it would seek Yoon’s presence for questioning, Yonhap news agency reported.
On Saturday, South Korea’s parliament voted to impeach Yoon, nearly two weeks after his failed attempt to impose martial law.
Prime Minister Han Duck Soo will assume presidential duties until the Constitutional Court makes the final decision on whether Yoon’s impeachment is upheld or declared unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong Hoon resigned on Monday.
“I am resigning as leader of the People Power Party,” Han told a news conference. “It has become impossible to carry out my duties as party chief due to the collapse of the party’s Supreme Council.”
Han initially said he would support Yoon’s ouster, but then backed down before publicly voicing his support for removing the president.
The opposition has accused Yoon of violating the constitution after his unexpected declaration of martial law on December 3.
The measure shocked the nation but was withdrawn just hours later after massive public backlash.
Yoon called his political opponents “anti-state forces” in a televised speech on Thursday. He said he had declared martial law to protect the nation.
