President Yoon Suk Yeol Begins Preparing for Investigation Into Emergency Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared a controversial emergency martial law on December 3, is reportedly in the process of selecting legal representation as he braces for a potential investigation.

In a historic move, Yoon has become the first South Korean president to be placed under a travel ban by the Ministry of Justice. A formal investigation is now underway, and there are discussions about the possibility of compulsory legal action against him.

According to multiple sources within South Korea’s ruling party, Yoon’s legal team has sought representation from former Korea Communications Commission (KCC) Chairman Kim Hong Il, among others.

Kim, a former senior prosecutor who worked closely with Yoon, has held high-ranking positions, including Deputy Chief Prosecutor at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, Head of the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office’s Drug and Organized Crime Division, Chief of the Central Investigation Division, and Chief Prosecutor of the Busan High Prosecutors’ Office. Yoon previously served under Kim as the head of the 2nd Central Investigation Division during Kim’s tenure as Chief of the Central Investigation Division at the Supreme Prosecutors’ Office.

Kim Hong Il Likely to Join as Legal Representative—Will First Lady Kim Keon Hee’s Lawyer Be Involved?

The legal team for Yoon, which is expected to include Kim Hong Il, is said to be composed of five to six attorneys.

Yoon’s team is reportedly in discussions with attorney Choi Ji Woo, who previously represented First Lady Kim Keon Hee. Additionally, a former high-ranking prosecutor, potentially a former chief prosecutor, is expected to join the team.

While Yoon’s legal team has not been finalized, the accelerating pace of the investigation suggests that the team will soon be in place to respond quickly to developments.

Meanwhile, both South Korean police and prosecutors are ramping up their investigation into Yoon’s role in the emergency martial law declaration.

The Special Investigation Headquarters, tasked with handling the martial law case, has included in its arrest warrant request for former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun allegations that he conspired with Yoon to incite a riot aimed at undermining South Korea’s constitutional order.

Kim has been charged with engaging in actions related to insurrection, which suggests that authorities view Yoon as the principal figure behind the alleged conspiracy to stage a rebellion.