Former South Korean President Yoon Resists Interrogation by Lying in Underwear, Say Prosecutors
Impeached former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol reportedly resisted interrogation by lying on the floor of his prison cell wearing only his underwear, according to statements from prosecutors on Friday.
On Thursday, prosecutors obtained a new arrest warrant to forcibly bring Yoon in for questioning over alleged election interference. However, Prosecutor Oh Jeong-hee told reporters that they were “unable to carry it out due to his strong refusal.”
“The suspect lay on the floor in prison-issued briefs and refused arrest by not wearing the standard prison clothing,” Oh said. “Out of concern for potential security incidents, we refrained from using physical force, and the enforcement of the warrant was temporarily suspended.”
Prosecutors explained that Yoon was wearing a sleeveless top and prison-issued briefs, and said this was “the most appropriate way” to describe his attire given “the serious nature of the situation.”
They stated that if necessary, physical force may be used in a future attempt to enforce the warrant.
Yoon was arrested on December 3 after allegedly attempting to invoke martial law by deploying the military to prevent lawmakers from voting on his declaration, thereby plunging the country into political turmoil.
He faces multiple charges, including rebellion and election interference, but has repeatedly refused to appear for questioning. His legal team has accused prosecutors of showing “a disturbing disregard for basic human dignity.”
“Rather than holding a press conference to explain the legal process, the special prosecutor used it as a stage for personal humiliation,” said Yoon’s lawyer, Yoo Jong-hwa. “What kind of legal institution in a civilized country reports and comments on a detainee’s clothing in real time—especially when he is in a cramped room with temperatures nearing 40°C (104°F)?”
Yoon’s lawyers added that his health is under significant strain due to pre-existing conditions, making it difficult for him to cooperate fully with the investigation.
South Korea’s Justice Minister Jung Seung-ho commented during a parliamentary hearing: “The former president’s behavior is clearly disgraceful. He was wearing a short-sleeved top and trousers, but removed his uniform when the special prosecutor’s team attempted to enforce the warrant—only to put it back on once they left.”
“We will ensure that he is treated with appropriate respect and no preferential treatment is shown, given his former position,” Jung added.
