Here’s what awaits the former prosecutor-turned-president in the coming days:
Interrogation Room with a Sofa
Yoon has been taken to the offices of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), which is leading the investigation into his role in declaring martial law on December 3.
The CIO, an independent agency established in 2021, is tasked with investigating high-ranking officials, including the president and their family members. However, it lacks the authority to prosecute the president and must refer cases to the prosecutors’ office for further action.
Located in Gwacheon, a government complex bordering Seoul, the CIO’s office is a 10-minute drive from the president’s official residence by police motorcade. Media reports suggest that the questioning will be fully video-recorded to prevent disputes over Yoon’s testimony.
The interrogation facilities also include a newly created rest area equipped with a sofa, reportedly to accommodate Yoon, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Solitary Jail Cell
Authorities have 48 hours to question Yoon. After that, they must either seek a warrant to detain him for up to 20 days or release him.
If detained, Yoon is likely to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, though Yonhap News Agency notes that time constraints might prevent his transfer there within the initial 48 hours if questioning exceeds the limit.
Despite its name, the Seoul Detention Center is located in Uiwang, 22 kilometers (14 miles) south of Seoul. Due to his status, Yoon will probably be assigned a solitary cell larger and better equipped than the standard 6.56 square meter (71 square feet) single cells.
Upon arrival, Yoon will undergo an ID check and a basic health examination. Like other pre-trial detainees, he will follow a strict schedule, rising at 6:30 a.m. and observing lights-out at 9 p.m.
$1 Meals
The Korea Correctional Service, which oversees the country’s prisons and detention centers, provides inmates with meals totaling 2,500 calories per day at a cost of approximately 1,600 won ($1.09) per meal.
On Wednesday, the Seoul Detention Center’s dinner menu featured bean sprout soup, barbecued beef, kimchi, pepper, and wrap sauce, according to information from the facility.
An official from the center declined to comment on whether it expected to house Yoon.
The 20-Day Deadline
Authorities have a maximum of 20 days to indict Yoon following his arrest. Within 48 hours, they must request a formal detention warrant from the court, which will evaluate the likelihood of Yoon tampering with evidence or witnesses.
The CIO, led by its chief Oh Dong-woon, consists of prosecutors handling the case. However, only nine prosecutors and Oh’s deputy are assigned to Yoon’s investigation, raising concerns about whether the agency has the resources to build a robust case.
Two of the CIO’s four investigative divisions currently lack staff, further amplifying doubts about its capacity to manage a high-profile case of this magnitude.
