The second comprehensive special prosecutor team, led by Special Prosecutor Kwon Chang-young, is narrowing its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol as it enters its final stages. The investigation focuses on three main areas: allegations of rebellion related to martial law, misappropriation of budget for the relocation of the presidential residence, and efforts to suppress the investigation into the stock manipulation case involving Kim Kun-hee and Deutsche Motors.
The special prosecutor announced on June 8 that it plans to summon former President Yoon on June 13 at 10 a.m. as a suspect in the rebellion case under military law. This follows a week after the investigation into allegations of abuse of power related to justifying martial law was conducted on June 6.
The special prosecutor views Yoon's actions of deploying armed soldiers to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission after declaring martial law as grounds for rebellion. Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun was also summoned on June 4 on similar charges but reportedly refused to testify. The special prosecutor has confirmed through witness interviews related to the Joint Investigation Headquarters of the Defense Security Command that there were substantial preparations for martial law starting around November 2023.
Both Yoon's and Kim's legal teams argue that since they are already facing trial for rebellion, the investigation into rebellion charges could constitute double jeopardy. Consequently, the special prosecutor is expected to focus on the legal overlap between the rebellion investigation and the existing rebellion case, the purpose and command structure of military troop deployment, and any prior preparations.
The investigation into abuse of power is nearing completion. Special Prosecutor Kwon Young-bin stated during a regular briefing at the government complex in Gwacheon that Yoon did not exercise his right to refuse to testify during the June 6 investigation and generally denied the allegations.
Kwon explained that Yoon expressed the belief that martial law is still legal. He reportedly stated that since the martial law was lawful, he instructed that it be communicated to foreign entities, asserting that he does not recognize any wrongdoing or abuse of power.
During the June 6 investigation, the special prosecutor condensed much of the prepared content for questioning. Kwon noted, "While there is some regret about the preparation, I believe the investigation concluded satisfactorily on Saturday, and I do not think additional investigations will be necessary."
The allegations regarding the misappropriation of the presidential residence relocation budget are also a key focus of the investigation. Following the arrests of former Chief of Staff Kim Dae-ki and former Secretary Yoon Jae-soon, the special prosecutor has also questioned former Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min. The investigation is centered on whether the budget for the maintenance of aging facilities was diverted for the presidential residence construction and the involvement of the presidential office, the Ministry of Interior and Safety, and the Ministry of Planning and Budget in this process.
On the same day, the special prosecutor conducted searches at the residences of relevant individuals, including the head of the budget office at the Ministry of Planning and Budget and the former economic and financial secretary of the presidential office. The special prosecutor is focusing on whether the Ministry of Planning and Budget condoned or colluded in the budget misappropriation process. With the detention periods for Kim and Yoon approaching, it is expected that charges against related individuals will be filed this week, intensifying the investigation into Yoon's involvement.
The allegations regarding the suppression of the investigation into the stock manipulation case involving Kim Kun-hee and Deutsche Motors are also expanding to include higher-level officials. The special prosecutor has summoned officials from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office for questioning and has charged former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung with abuse of power. Future investigations may include former Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae to confirm Yoon's involvement.
There are expectations within the special prosecutor's office that additional investigations into former President Yoon may continue during the remaining investigation period. The special prosecutor has extended the initial investigation deadline until June 24, with the possibility of two further extensions. Therefore, the special prosecutor is likely to accelerate efforts to clarify the involvement of higher-ups in the rebellion allegations, the misappropriation of the presidential residence budget, and the suppression of the Deutsche Motors investigation.
Legal experts suggest that the special prosecutor's investigation has moved beyond the operational staff and advisors to confirm Yoon's directives and approvals. With the abuse of power investigation nearing its conclusion, the rebellion investigation is intensifying, and the inquiries into the presidential residence relocation and the Deutsche Motors investigation suppression are converging, bringing the special prosecutor's investigation into sharp focus on Yoon Suk Yeol.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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