The 64-year-old suspended leader then evaded arrest for weeks by remaining in his residential compound, protected by loyal members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS).
Shortly after he was taken to the CIO offices, investigators began questioning Yoon, but they said later he exercised “his right to remain silent”.
The CIO confirmed they were addressing him as “Mr President” during questioning.
In a parallel probe, the Constitutional Court is deciding whether to uphold Yoon’s impeachment.
If that happens, Yoon will finally lose the presidency and fresh elections must be held within 60 days.
He did not attend Thursday’s hearing in person and his lawyers instead requested a postponement that the court “decided not to accept”, spokesperson Cheon Jae-hyun told reporters.
The trial is continuing in Yoon’s absence, though proceedings could last for months.
However, the National Assembly’s legal team told reporters before the hearing began that Yoon’s arrest had “created the conditions to swiftly resolve the constitutional crisis through procedures outlined by the Constitution and the law.”
© 2025 AFP
