Yoon Begins Investigation After Meeting with Special Prosecutors; Police Colonel Leads Interrogation on 'Obstruction of Arrest'

Introduction to the Investigation

On June 28, 2025, former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol appeared at the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office to begin his interrogation by the special prosecution team investigating alleged insurrection-related offenses. Prior to the investigation, Yoon met with special prosecutors Park Eok-su and Jang Woo-sung for about 10 minutes to discuss the process. The investigation commenced without Yoon exercising his right to remain silent, signaling his willingness to cooperate at this stage.

Focus of the Morning Session: Obstruction of Arrest and Secret Phone Deletion

The morning session of the investigation primarily focused on allegations related to Yoon's obstruction of a police arrest warrant execution in January 2025 and his orders to delete records from secret phones used by key figures involved in the emergency martial law situation. The police officers who had been investigating these charges, including Police Colonel Park Chang-hwan from the Serious Crime Investigation Division, led the questioning. Two defense attorneys representing Yoon were present throughout the interrogation, ensuring legal oversight.

Details and Background of Charges

The special prosecution team is investigating claims that Yoon mobilized presidential security personnel to block the execution of an arrest warrant issued by the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Unit. Additionally, Yoon is accused of directing the deletion of communication records from secret phones, which were used to conceal conversations related to the emergency martial law declaration and subsequent government actions. These allegations are part of a broader inquiry into the December 3 emergency martial law declaration and related abuses of power.

Investigation Process and Legal Context

The interrogation is taking place in a specially prepared room on the sixth floor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office, designed to resemble a typical prosecutor's office to maintain procedural normalcy. The special prosecutors have indicated that, with Yoon's consent, late-night questioning sessions may be conducted to ensure thorough investigation. The investigation also aims to cover potential interference with parliamentary resolutions and foreign exchange-related offenses as part of the comprehensive inquiry.

Community and Media Reactions

The investigation has drawn significant attention from both domestic and international media, with numerous news outlets and blogs covering the developments extensively. Online communities such as Naver and Tistory have been active in discussing the implications of the investigation, showing a mix of support and criticism. Key points of debate include the legal merits of the charges, the political ramifications for South Korea, and the precedent set by prosecuting a former president.

Cultural and Political Insights for International Readers

For international audiences, understanding the gravity of these investigations requires context on South Korea's political climate and the role of special prosecution teams in addressing high-profile corruption and abuse of power cases. The use of 'secret phones' (bi-hwa-pon) in political scandals has been a recurring theme in recent years, symbolizing covert communications and attempts to evade legal scrutiny. The emergency martial law declaration of December 3, 2024, remains a pivotal event in South Korea’s recent history, with ongoing debates about its legality and impact on democratic institutions.