Sun Dec 29 09:28:12 UTC 2024: ## South Korean Impeached President Defies Summons for Third Time
**Seoul, South Korea –** Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has once again refused to appear for questioning by investigators, marking his third defiance in two weeks. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) issued a summons for 10 am (GMT 0100) on Sunday, December 29th, 2024, which Yoon ignored. He faces impeachment and criminal charges of insurrection, potentially leading to life imprisonment or the death penalty, stemming from his short-lived declaration of martial law on December 14th. This action triggered the country’s worst political crisis in decades and led to his suspension from office by parliament.
The CIO stated that they will now decide on future actions, including the possibility of issuing a fourth summons or seeking an arrest warrant. A 10-page prosecutor’s report alleges that Yoon authorized the military to use force to enter parliament during his attempt to impose martial law. Meanwhile, a joint investigation team comprising police, defense ministry, and anti-corruption officials is also investigating Yoon, while the Constitutional Court deliberates on the impeachment motion. If upheld, a by-election must be held within 60 days of the court’s decision. The situation is unprecedented, as former President Park Geun-hye, who faced a similar impeachment, was investigated only after her removal from power by the Constitutional Court. The international community closely watches the unfolding legal and political drama in South Korea.
First Piper 