Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason Summons Han Duck-soo Over 'Non-Appointment of Constitutional Court Justice'

The Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason, led by Cho Eun-seok, summoned Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister, as a suspect at around 11 a.m. on the 11th to investigate suspicions regarding the non-appointment of a Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea. Han faces charges of dereliction of duty and abuse of authority. Park Ji-young, assistant special prosecutor, announced this during a regular press briefing at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office earlier that day.
Park Ji-young explained, "There was a ruling by the Constitutional Court regarding the non-appointment of the Justice," adding, "We are taking that into account during the investigation."
On December 26 last year, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea recommended Ma Eunhyeok, Jeong Gye-seon, and Cho Han-chang as candidates for Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea. However, Han Duck-soo, who was acting president at the time, did not appoint the justices, citing the lack of consensus in the National Assembly.
Subsequently, in April, Han Duck-soo nominated Wankyu Lee, head of the Korea Legislation Research Institute, and Hahm Sang-hoon, chief judge at the Seoul High Court, as presidential appointees to succeed Moon Hyung-bae, acting president of the Constitutional Court, and Lee Mison, Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea. The Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason stated that it would thoroughly examine the entire situation.
On the 20th, the Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason also summoned Kim Joo-hyun, former Senior Presidential Secretary for Civil Affairs, as a suspect in connection with these allegations. During the investigation into Han Duck-soo, the team reportedly became aware of indications that Kim Joo-hyun was involved in the process of non-appointment of the Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea after the martial law.
Park Ji-young stated, "As there is not much time left in the investigation period, we plan to conclude as many cases as possible here (at the special prosecutor's office) that have been transferred from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) or the police following complaints," adding, "Not only Han Duck-soo but also other related individuals may be investigated."
The Special Prosecutor Team for Insurrection and Treason also plans to summon Cho Tae-yong, former director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), as early as next week on charges including violation of the National Intelligence Service Act's prohibition on political involvement and dereliction of duty.

[email protected] Kim Dong-gyu Reporter