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Key Points

South Korea's Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho was questioned as a witness in the special counsel's investigation into ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt. Kim had previously advised against the decree, warning of economic and diplomatic consequences. Yoon faces his third indictment, accused of abuse of power and tampering with official records. The special counsel continues its probe despite Yoon's refusal to cooperate with questioning.

Key Points: South Korea Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho Questioned in Yoon Martial Law Probe

  • Kim Yung-ho testified against Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law decree
  • Yoon faces third indictment over abuse of authority charges
  • Special counsel Cho Eun-suk alleges record tampering by Yoon
  • Martial law attempt risked damaging US-South Korea relations
2 min read

South Korea: Special counsel questions unification minister in martial law probe

Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho questioned as witness in probe into ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law attempt.

"He sought to persuade the then president to refrain from issuing the decree, citing its potential damage to the economy and South Korea-US relations. – Source"

Seoul, July 20

South Korean Special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team was questioning Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho on Sunday as part of its investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law.

Kim was summoned to the special counsel's office inside the Seoul High Prosecutors Office in southern Seoul to be questioned as a witness in the case.

The minister was one of five Cabinet members called to the presidential office on December 3, shortly before Yoon declared martial law.

He has previously testified that he sought to persuade the then president to refrain from issuing the decree, citing its potential damage to the economy and South Korea-US relations.

Earlier, a special counsel team indicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday on charges of abuse of authority over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

It marks Yoon's third indictment with detention following previous ones in January and in March related to his martial law declaration on December 3 and other power abuse charges.

According to the team led by special counsel Cho Eun-suk, Yoon is accused of violating the rights of Cabinet members during the martial law deliberation process, retroactively drafting the martial law declaration, ordering the deletion of records from encrypted phones and other offences.

The team had attempted to question Yoon multiple times since his second detention last week, but failed as Yoon declined to appear.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya M
Interesting to see how other Asian democracies handle political crises. In India, our Supreme Court would never allow such martial law declarations to stand. The minister did right by speaking up against it!
A
Amit K
Third indictment? This former president seems to have a pattern of abusing power. Makes me appreciate our Indian system where even PMs can be held accountable through elections and courts.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Korea, I must say the investigation seems politically motivated. The minister's testimony contradicts earlier reports. We should wait for all facts before judging.
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Nisha R
Deleting records from encrypted phones? Sounds like our 2G scam days! Corruption has no borders it seems. Hope justice prevails in both our countries 🙏
V
Vikram P
While I support accountability, I worry about the precedent this sets. In India, we've seen how political cases can be used to target opponents. The special counsel must remain impartial.

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