The move, which would allow the CIO to detain him for up to 20 days, comes after a court's rejection the previous day of Yoon's request for an injunction disputing the legality of his arrest warrant over his botched martial law debacle last month.
Yoon turned to the Seoul Central District Court for a review shortly after his arrest earlier this week, arguing that the Seoul Western District Court, which issued the arrest warrants, lacks jurisdiction over the charges of insurrection and abuse of power against him. But the court cited a "lack of valid reasons" and dismissed his request, effectively invalidating Yoon's argument.
Yoon's longtime friend and legal representative, Seok Dong-hyun, wrote on Facebook that the court's decision is "regrettable," but he respects it.
Meanwhile, Yoon continues to refuse to appear for questioning by the CIO after remaining silent during his initial questioning session which lasted for about 10 hours on Wednesday.
Seok said earlier in the day, "The President will not appear for questioning. As he has already clearly conveyed his stance….., he sees no need to respond to further questioning."
Yoon reportedly claimed that the declaration of martial law is a matter that falls under the president's authority, not something for judges or prosecutors to determine, while refusing to answer any of the 200-page-long questionnaire from CIO investigators.
But the CIO is likely to press Yoon for additional face-to-face questioning. The CIO, which is not entitled to prosecute a suspect and must refer the case to prosecutors after wrapping up the investigation.
Yoon is currently being held at a remand prison in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province.
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