South Korea’s Yoon defies probes with shocking underwear lie

Yoon Suk‑yeol Defies Prosecutors by Lying on his Cell Floor in Underwear

South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk‑yeol thwarted a renewed arrest warrant by collapsing onto his prison cell floor in his underwear, prosecutors revealed on Friday.

New Arrest Warrant & Unexpected Refusal

• Thursday’s fresh warrant aimed to compel Yoon to answer questions over alleged election tampering.
• Prosecutors, “unable to execute it due to his forceful refusal,” added, citing Yoon’s strong denial of arrest.

Yoon’s Striking Attire

While the former leader lay naked, Yoon wore a sleeveless top and prison‑issued briefs. Prosecutors described his clothing as the “most appropriate” given the “serious nature of the situation.” They did not disclose the underclothing’s color.

Safety Concerns → Temporary Suspension

Because Yoon lay on the floor without prison‑issued clothing, prosecutors chose to withhold physical force, citing safety concerns. This led to a temporary pause in the warrant’s execution.

Possible Use of Physical Force on Next Attempt

Prosecutors warned Yoon that they would be forced to use physical force if the next attempt breached the same conditions.

Background: Yoon’s December Martial Law Attempt

• Yoon tried to impose martial law on December 3, sending troops to parliament to block lawmakers from voting down his declaration.
• He faces a range of charges, from insurrection to election tampering.
• Despite multiple summons, Yoon has repeatedly refused to appear.

Legal Team Accuses Prosecutors of “Disturbing Disregard”

Yoon’s lawyer Yoo Jeong‑hwa told AFP that prosecutors had shown “a disturbing disregard for basic human decency.” He called the staged press briefing a “stage for personal humiliation.”

“What kind of legal institution in a civilized country gives a real‑time report and commentary to journalists on a detainee’s clothing, especially in a cramped cell near 40 °C (104 °F)?”

Health Challenges Hindering Cooperation

Yoon’s lawyers added that the former president suffers from “several underlying conditions that pose significant challenges to maintaining his health,” making full cooperation with the investigation difficult.