President's Lawyer: Korea's Ex-Leader Won't Talk

The legal team for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced he will not cooperate with further questioning by investigators. Yoon was recently detained by anti-corruption officials regarding his controversial martial law declaration last year. His lawyers argue that the ongoing investigation is illegal. Yoon was questioned for over 10 hours on Wednesday at the corruption investigation headquarters in Seoul. Investigators are expected to seek his formal arrest in the coming days. The anti-corruption agency has 48 hours to either request a court order for his arrest or release him. Yoon's legal team has challenged the validity of the detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court. They have also complained about Wednesday's raid on the presidential residence, calling it illegal. Yoon did not attend a court hearing on Thursday due to security concerns. Yoon's political crisis started in December when he declared martial law to break a legislative deadlock. The standoff ended when lawmakers overcame the blockade and lifted the measure. He was subsequently impeached by the opposition-dominated assembly. Yoon and his allies have resisted investigation into his actions, citing legal protections and disputing the authority of the anti-corruption agency. In a video message, Yoon expressed disappointment with the collapse of the rule of law and agreed to detention to prevent violence. His lawyers' request for a hearing postponement was rejected by the Constitutional Court. If formally arrested, Yoon could face up to 20 days of detention and potential charges of rebellion and abuse of power, which could result in severe penalties.