The joint investigation headquarters (EO YEO) investigating the Dec. 3 martial law situation announced on the 17th that the statement from President Yoon Suk-yeol's side, "I will not appear before the investigative agency on the 18th," is considered a non-response to the initial appearance request. EO YEO is a joint investigative body composed of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, the Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters, and the Ministry of National Defense's investigation headquarters.
Lawyer Seok Dong-hyeon, who is involved in forming President Yoon's legal team, met with reporters that day and responded to the question of whether President Yoon would appear before the Corruption Investigation Office on the 18th, saying, "Not tomorrow."
Since the previous day, EO YEO has been attempting to deliver a subpoena to President Yoon, requesting appearance at the Corruption Investigation Office at 10 a.m. on the 18th as a suspect in insurrection charges. President Yoon's side essentially rejected EO YEO's request.
The Corruption Investigation Office attempted to deliver the subpoena in person to the presidential office and the Hannam-dong residence the day before, but it was declined by the Presidential Secretariat and Security Service, resulting in failure. The office also sent the subpoena via registered mail. The mail sent to the Presidential General Secretariat Desk was returned as 'unknown recipient,' and the subpoena sent to the residence was marked 'refused,' resulting in final undeliverability.
In response, EO YEO stated, "Even if they did not receive the subpoena by mail, it can be perceived as acknowledged," adding, "We will decide on the second appearance request after 10 a.m. on the 18th." EO YEO also plans to send a cautionary letter to the Presidential Security Service indicating that obstructing the execution of an arrest or detention warrant in the future would constitute obstruction of official duties.
EO Dong-un, head of the Corruption Investigation Office, also appeared before the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the same day. In response to a query by Chairman Jeong Cheong-rae on whether President Yoon should be immediately arrested, EO Dong-un replied, "We have issued a summons, and in relation to the situation of refusal to receive it, we will take the next legal step."