Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team Summons Yoon for Questioning on the 8th...“Expected to Appear”

[Financial News] The Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team, led by Lee Myeong-hyeon, has notified former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is at the center of various allegations including investigation interference, to appear for questioning on the 8th.
At a regular briefing on the 4th, Jeong Min-young, deputy special prosecutor of the Chae Sang-byeong Special Prosecutor Team, stated, “On the morning of the 8th, we sent a summons to former President Yoon Suk Yeol requesting his appearance before the special prosecutor.” He added, “It is standard procedure for him to appear in person for questioning.”
The special prosecutor team reportedly finalized the date as the 8th after coordinating with Yoon’s legal team, who indicated that a Saturday appearance would be possible.
When asked about contingency plans if the questioning on the 8th does not proceed, Deputy Special Prosecutor Jeong explained, “We will issue another notice and follow the necessary procedures, but as far as we understand, former President Yoon’s side does not intend to refuse to appear, so we expect him to attend.” The special prosecutor team is not currently considering compulsory measures such as issuing a warrant for his appearance.
Furthermore, the special prosecutor believes that, as Yoon is a key figure in the allegations, more than one round of questioning may be necessary due to the volume of issues to be investigated.
Yoon Suk Yeol is suspected of exerting undue influence over the investigation after receiving the initial report on the death of Private Chae, which included Im Seong-geun, former commander of the 1st Marine Division, as a suspect. He is also alleged to have effectively facilitated the escape of Lee Jong-sup, former Minister of National Defense and a suspect in a CIO investigation, by appointing him as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Australia.
Meanwhile, the special prosecutor team has stated its intention to accelerate the investigation into the Protestant Lobbying Allegations, which have been progressing slowly, until the end of the investigation period. The team has received written statements from those involved and plans to question Billy Kim, chairman of Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC), and Han Ki-boong, former president of Far East Broadcasting Company, as witnesses before trial. However, with the court postponing the hearing dates for Kim and others, there is a possibility that the questioning schedule may be delayed. In response, the special prosecutor has requested the designation of special hearing dates.
If the investigation into the Protestant Lobbying Allegations is not completed within the allotted period, the case may be transferred to the police. However, the special prosecutor team is carefully considering whether to proceed with the transfer, as this would require a separate indictment and sufficient investigation.

scottchoi15@fnnews.com Choi Eun-sol Reporter