On December 17, President Yoon Seok-Yeol’s legal team categorically denied any connection to the rebellion charges, stating, “We completely disagree with the concept of rebellion as a legal matter.” President Yoon also announced that if the hearing is held, he will appear in court and confidently state his position.
Seok Dong-hyun, a lawyer and key outside advisor who has had a 40-year relationship with President Yoon, spoke to reporters and conveyed the president’s position. Seok Dong-hyun explained that he is supervising all matters related to legal defense and investigation on behalf of President Yoon.
In relation to the declaration of martial law, Sok said, “The president is subject to constant interference in national affairs by the opposition parties.The decision to declare martial law was not just an emotional response of “let’s do it anyway.” He defended President Yoon. It’s out of frustration. It was a decision based on that causal relationship. ”
He added, “Given the rampant impeachment attempts, budget cuts, and the ridicule and humiliation of public officials summoned to Congress, it is no exaggeration to say that the impeachment trial is a destruction of the constitutional order. challenge the legal basis of these actions as they address the damage done to the rule of law.”
Mr Sok criticized the ongoing investigation as “frenzied” and irrational. “If you’ve ever read the insurrection clause, you know this is not an insurrection,” he said. “It certainly shocked the nation, but this was not an attempt to seize all power, and the president is not the leader of an insurrection. Why would a sitting president launch an insurrection against himself?”
He also claimed that only some sections of society, particularly the opposition parties, were exaggerating the situation as if there was an uprising, which was “exaggerated”. He added, “We do not consider this an insurrection. We respect the impeachment process based on parliamentary law, but we feel that the investigation itself is unreasonable.”
President Yoon and the Blue House are currently not cooperating with the investigation into the declaration of martial law. The president ignored a subpoena from the Special Investigations Unit that requested the president’s appearance by December 15, citing the need to form a legal defense team. In response, the Investigation Headquarters issued a second subpoena, requesting President Yoon to appear in court by December 21st.
Efforts to deliver subpoenas directly have also met resistance. A joint investigation team made up of the police, the CIO, and the Ministry of National Defense’s investigative headquarters attempted to deliver subpoenas to both the presidential palace and the official residence, but was refused. Along with rejection. A subpoena sent to the official residence was returned with a note that said it had been “refused by the recipient,” while a subpoena sent to the presidential palace was marked “address unknown.”
Mr. Sok criticized the investigation process and called for changes not only to procedures but also to the way investigative agencies operate. “It’s basically impossible to have an investigation and an impeachment trial at the same time,” he said. “We have multiple investigative agencies, and two or three of them are subpoenaing and forcing investigations as if in competition. “This clearly needs to be adjusted.”
Seok said he would comply with legal procedures, but stressed, “Even if his powers are suspended due to impeachment, the president is still the president. That doesn’t mean he has to appear in all cases called by investigative agencies.” “Just because you’re called doesn’t mean you have to go. It’s not the only way to follow legal process,” he added.
When asked about the specific date of the president’s attendance, Sok did not give a clear answer. Regarding the second summons by the Special Investigation Department, he said, “It is difficult to answer.” When asked if he would be able to conduct an investigation this week after submitting his application to appoint a lawyer, Seok answered, “I can’t say.” He also declined to say whether President Yoon would appear in court, saying, “I will consider it and make a decision within the next few days,” but added, “Not today.” tomorrow. “
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