South Korea Ex-PM, Ministers Questioned in Martial Law Probe

South Korea's special counsel has intensified the investigation into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3, summoning former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, and Science Minister Yoo Sang-wook for questioning. The probe centers on whether Yoon abused his power during Cabinet meetings related to the martial law declaration and whether Han was involved in ordering the destruction of the original declaration document, which Han reportedly signed but later requested to be discarded. Ministers Ahn and Yoo, despite reportedly not attending the initial Cabinet meeting before martial law, were questioned to clarify the events surrounding the declaration and subsequent lifting of martial law. The special counsel is also investigating other former officials, including former Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae, as prosecutors consider charging Yoon with abuse of power. Yoon is scheduled for a second round of questioning, and the investigation seeks to uncover whether unlawful instructions were issued to Cabinet members during the martial law episode. The inquiry reflects a broader effort to hold accountable those involved in what has been described as a botched martial law bid.