South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol staged a dramatic protest in his detention cell Friday, stripping to his underwear and lying on the floor to evade questioning over election tampering allegations. Prosecutors attempting to execute a fresh arrest warrant described finding Yoon in a "sleeveless top and prison-issued briefs," citing his "strong refusal" to cooperate despite authorization for forced detention. Special counsel spokesperson Oh Jeong-hee confirmed investigators suspended efforts due to safety concerns but warned "physical force" would be used next time.
The confrontation stems from allegations that Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, manipulated the ruling party’s 2022 nomination process to sideline critics, a charge separate from his ongoing insurrection trial. Prosecutors obtained the warrant after Yoon ignored three prior summonses, deepening scrutiny of his post-presidential accountability. The probe targets claims that Kim received luxury gifts and illicitly influenced appointments, which she denies.
Yoon’s legal team condemned prosecutors for publicly detailing his attire, calling it a "disturbing disregard for basic human decency." Lawyer Yoo Jeong-hwa emphasized the cell’s 40°C (104°F) heat and accused investigators of "personal humiliation". Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho acknowledged the scene was "frankly embarrassing," while revealing Yoon redressed immediately after investigators left. Yoon’s attorneys cite cardiovascular and vision issues, including blindness risk; though prosecutors note he previously resisted court appearances citing health problems.
Yoon’s imprisonment began after his December 2023 failed coup, where troops stormed parliament to enforce martial law aimed at crushing opposition lawmakers he labeled "pro-North anti-state forces." The Constitutional Court unanimously removed him in April 2025 for "destroying democratic order," paving the way for his arrest on rebellion charges carrying possible life imprisonment.