SEOUL: In an unprecedented turn of events, South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol has defiantly declined to appear for questioning on Christmas Day, marking the second time in just a week that he has ignored investigators' demands.

This refusal is escalating tensions surrounding a political crisis that has gripped the nation.

The Corruption Investigation Office had summoned Yoon to appear for questioning at 10 am (GMT 0100) on Wednesday, December 25, but he rejected the mandate outright. This raises questions about Yoon's commitment to cooperate with the ongoing investigation that could reshape South Korea’s political landscape.

This controversy began on December 14 when the National Assembly stripped Yoon of his presidential duties following a brief declaration of martial law, plunging the country into its most significant political upheaval in decades.

The former prosecutor now faces serious allegations, including impeachment and criminal charges that could lead to penalties as severe as life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Such accusations have sent shockwaves not only through South Korea but also among its democratic allies globally.

As the clock ticks down, the Corruption Investigation Office is deliberating whether to issue yet another summons to Yoon or to seek an arrest warrant to compel his appearance.

This investigation involves a multi-agency collaboration among prosecutors, police, the defense ministry, and anti-corruption officials—a rarity indicating the severity of the situation.

The Constitutional Court is also actively evaluating the impeachment motion that was passed by parliament.

If the court upholds the impeachment, it would be required to issue a ruling within six months, which would be followed by a by-election within 60 days of its decision.

This scenario echoes the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who was only investigated after the court removed her from office.

Amidst this turmoil, the opposition Democratic Party announced it would defer any decision to impeach acting president Han Duck-soo until later in the week.

The party previously indicated intentions to introduce an impeachment motion against Han due to his refusal to enact special bills aimed at investigating Yoon.

As South Korea stands at this political crossroads, citizens are left questioning the future of their leadership and the integrity of democratic processes in a nation that has long prided itself on stability.

Will Yoon's tenure end in a sensational court ruling, or will he find a way to navigate through this crisis? Stay tuned for the latest developments in this unfolding saga!