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As the special prosecutor's team led by Jo Eun-seok attempts a third compulsory apprehension (detention) of former President Yoon Suk-yeol in connection with the "December 3rd Emergency Martial Law Insurrection Case," controversies surrounding the treatment of former presidents and criminal procedures are reaching a peak.

According to legal circles on the 16th, the special prosecutor's team for the insurrection case sent an official document to the Seoul Detention Center the previous day (15th), ordering the apprehension of former President Yoon to the investigation room of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office by 2 PM that day. Former President Yoon has been refusing to comply with the special prosecutor's summons since his arrest on the 10th.

The special prosecutor's team had already requested compulsory apprehension twice after previous requests were denied, and is increasing pressure by investigating the detention center officials responsible for apprehension as witnesses. The special prosecutor's team has also stated, "The detention center can be held responsible if it fails to comply with the apprehension order."

In response, former President Yoon's side is strongly protesting. In a statement released on the 15th, his legal representatives stated, "This action by the special prosecutor's team is a political stunt to publicly humiliate a former president," and argued, "The location of the investigation is not essential. A visit within the detention center is possible, as it was in the investigations of former presidents Park Geun-hye and Lee Myung-bak." The legal representatives further criticized, "The special prosecutor's team is distorting the law as if there is no other option besides compulsory apprehension."

Since his arrest, former President Yoon has refused to attend both the special prosecutor's investigation and the trial, citing health reasons. In response, Park Ji-young, the deputy special prosecutor for the insurrection case, stated, "Former President Yoon has not expressed any intention to the special prosecutor's team, and this is being assessed as a refusal of the investigation itself." Deputy Special Prosecutor Park added, "In our criminal justice system, refusal to cooperate with an investigation can work to the disadvantage of the suspect," and explained that they are also considering indicting him without extending his detention period.

Meanwhile, a meeting between former President Yoon and former Ambassador-at-Large for International Criminal Justice, Morten, is scheduled at the Seoul Detention Center at 2 PM today. Among former President Yoon's supporters, there are claims that the special prosecutor's attempt at compulsory apprehension is intended to disrupt this meeting. Morten has recently expressed interest in former President Yoon's case and is an influential figure in shaping public opinion within the United States.

If former President Yoon continues to refuse cooperation with the investigation, the special prosecutor's response is expected to escalate. However, controversy over the appropriateness of compulsory apprehension and forced public appearance of a former president is also growing, which is likely to become another turning point in the political landscape.

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