Special prosecutor Min Joong-ki on 21/7 issued a summons to the Seoul Detention Center, where former president Yoon Suk-yeol is currently held, requesting his appearance as a suspect at 10 a.m. on 29/7.

Min also sent a summons by mail to the home of former first lady Kim Keon-hee, requesting her presence at the special prosecutor's office at 10 a.m. on 6/8.

According to a member of Min's team, Kim is expected to be questioned about allegations related to stock price manipulation, accepting luxury gifts, and interfering in the election process. Former president Yoon is also suspected of interfering in candidate nominations for the election.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife in Seoul on 3/6. Photo: Yonhap

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife in Seoul on 3/6. Photo: Yonhap

The summons for Kim lists alleged violations of the Capital Market Act and other laws, while the summons for Yoon alleges violations of the Public Official Election Act.

It is unclear whether the former presidential couple will comply with the summons. Kim's lawyer said they had not yet received the request but confirmed that she would answer questions truthfully.

Yoon, 64, was impeached by the Constitutional Court for illegally declaring martial law in December 2024 and is on trial for rebellion and other charges.

He recently appeared in court to refute some allegations but has ignored several summonses from special prosecutor Cho Eun-seok, who is investigating his declaration of martial law. On 24/6, Cho requested an arrest warrant for Yoon over concerns he might destroy evidence, leading to his detention at the Seoul Detention Center.

Ngoc Anh (Yonhap, Korea Times, KBS)