South Korea’s suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol did not respond to a second summons by anti-corruption authorities on Wednesday, who are investigating his short-lived martial law decree issued earlier this month along with prosecutors.
After ignoring their first summons last week, Yun did not appear for questioning until 10 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Christmas Day, as requested by the Office of Corruption Investigation for High-ranking Officials.
Yonhap news agency reported that an agency official said the wait for Yun would continue on Wednesday.
Yun also did not respond to a separate summons by prosecutors investigating the declaration of martial law on Dec. 15, Yonhap said.
Opponents have criticized and called for Yoon’s arrest, citing concerns over the potential destruction of evidence as she disobeys repeated summonses and fails to appear for questioning.
In a televised address on December 7, four days after martial law was declared, Yun said he could not avoid legal and political responsibility for his actions.
Yun was impeached by parliament on December 14 over his brief imposition of martial law and now faces a constitutional court case over whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers.
Prosecutors, police and the Office of Corruption Investigation have launched investigations into charges of rebellion, abuse of power or other crimes against Yun and other officials.
Treason is one of the few charges for which the South Korean president is not immune.
A lawyer advising Yun has said he is willing to personally present his views on the legal process related to the declaration of martial law.
Why should you buy our membership?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to our award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be confused and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package