Seoul: Former President Yoon Suk Yeol will not attend a scheduled questioning by a special counsel team concerning his alleged involvement in a military probe related to the 2023 death of a Marine, as his legal representatives confirmed on Wednesday. Yoon was expected to appear on Thursday after receiving a summons from special counsel Lee Myeong-hyeon's team, but his lawyers cited conflicting trial schedules as the reason for his absence. They also mentioned ongoing discussions with the special counsel's office to arrange a new date for the session.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon has been detained since July over an attempt to impose martial law in December and is currently facing charges related to abuse of power and assisting in a criminal's escape in the Marine case. Investigators are examining Yoon's potential influence in altering the initial conclusions of a military investigation into Cpl. Chae Su-geun's death, aiming to absolve a former Marine commander of liability. There are also allegations against Yoon for purportedly aiding former Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup in evading accountability by appointing him as ambassador to Australia in March 2024.

The special counsel team has indicated that they might explore other options to question Yoon if he does not comply with the summons. Under a revised legal framework governing the special counsel's duties, the special prosecutor holds the authority to compel Yoon's presence through correctional officers if necessary. The Marine in question lost his life during a search mission in July 2023, aimed at locating victims of torrential rains.