The state anti-corruption agency on Monday dispatched six investigators to the detention center where impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol has been under arrest as he continues to defy orders to appear for further questioning over his failed martial law bid.
Yoon, held at the Seoul Detention Center since last Wednesday and placed under formal arrest Sunday, snubbed an order by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials to appear for questioning at 10 a.m., the second day in a row he has done so.
The CIO previously said it was "strongly considering bringing him in by force" as Yoon refuses to voluntarily cooperate with the investigation.
The agency stressed that forcibly investigating an accused is permissible under the law and supported by court precedents.
Yoon will be held in custody until Jan. 28, and if a court grants an extension, until Feb. 7, the official said.
The CIO will continue talks with the prosecution over when to transfer the case to them for further investigation and potential indictment.
The impeached president faces charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through his short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
He was formally arrested early Sunday after a court issued a warrant to extend his detention over concerns he might destroy evidence.
Large numbers of Yoon's supporters stormed the court after the warrant's issuance in protest, injuring police officers and damaging the building.
The CIO official said the agency will seek the cooperation of the police to ensure the safety of investigators probing the case. (Yonhap)
