Political situation in South Korea

Deposed president lays down on the floor in only his underwear

South Korea's deposed president Yoon Suk-Yeol refused to be questioned in the criminal investigation against him on Thursday. He took off his prison clothes and lay down on the floor in only his underwear, Yonhap reports.

- The suspect refused to be arrested while lying on the floor without wearing his prison clothes, says prosecutor Oh Jeong-Hee.

Yoon's lawyers say that it is very hot in the cell, up to 40 degrees, and that his health condition makes it difficult to cooperate with the investigation. They also criticize the prosecutors' description and accuse them of wanting to subject Yoon to "personal humiliation".

The allegations against Yoon – the case at hand

• President Yoon Suk-Yeol declared martial law in South Korea in early December 2024, leading to widespread protests.
• The opposition launched an impeachment trial against Yoon, who was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, pending the Constitutional Court's decision.
• Police raided the presidential office and several police chiefs were arrested, while prosecutors opened criminal investigations against Yoon for sedition and abuse of power.
• Thousands of demonstrators gathered both for and against Yoon, and the protests included K-pop acts and counter-demonstrations near the presidential residence.
• Yoon was arrested in January 2025 but released in March following a court order, and is facing charges of attempted coup d'état after the imposition of martial law.