South Korea's Jailed Ex-Leader Yoon Resists Questioning by Taking Off His Clothes and Lying on the Floor

Seoul, South Korea — August 2, 2025

In a bizarre and controversial incident that has gripped South Korea's political and media landscape, former President Yoon Suk-yeol, currently serving a prison sentence on corruption and abuse of power charges, reportedly resisted questioning from investigators this week by disrobing and lying motionless on the floor of an interrogation room.

According to officials from the Ministry of Justice, the dramatic protest took place at the Seoul Detention Center on July 31 during a scheduled session with prosecutors related to a new investigation involving alleged financial misconduct during his tenure. Yoon, 64, was expected to respond to questions about previously undisclosed campaign donations and government contract allocations.

Instead, as investigators entered the interrogation chamber, Yoon allegedly began removing his prison uniform and refused to sit upright, eventually lying naked and silent on the cold tile floor. Multiple sources confirm that the former president remained unresponsive for nearly 45 minutes, prompting the session to be suspended.

A New Chapter in a Tumultuous Legacy

Yoon, who served as South Korea's president from 2022 to 2024 before being impeached and convicted, has remained a deeply polarizing figure in Korean politics. Once a former prosecutor-general known for his anti-corruption stance, Yoon's own downfall was marked by allegations of embezzlement, influence peddling, and obstruction of justice.

This most recent episode has only added fuel to the debate surrounding his psychological state and political motivations. Supporters claim that Yoon is being subjected to political persecution and that his behavior is a form of protest against what they view as a politically motivated re-investigation.

Opponents, however, argue that his actions are a calculated attempt to obstruct justice and manipulate public sympathy, a move reminiscent of other disgraced leaders who have staged dramatic scenes to derail legal proceedings.

Official Response

In a press briefing held the following morning, Justice Ministry spokesperson Han Min-kyu confirmed the incident and stated that measures had been taken to ensure the former president’s safety.

"We can confirm that Mr. Yoon Suk-yeol refused to cooperate with the investigation in a manner that was both inappropriate and disruptive," Han said. "Medical staff were immediately dispatched to assess his condition. No physical harm was reported. Further evaluations are underway."

The ministry has since suspended in-person interrogations and announced that Yoon will be subject to a psychological evaluation before any further proceedings.

The Prosecutors’ Office has expressed frustration at what they describe as “deliberate obstruction,” and some legal experts now believe that Yoon’s behavior may constitute a separate charge of interfering with a criminal investigation, which could result in additional sentencing.

Public Reaction Divided

Social media and public discourse were quick to react to news of the incident, with hashtags like #NakedResistance and #YoonOnTheFloor trending across Korean platforms. While some users mocked the former leader, posting memes and parody videos, others expressed concern about his mental health.

Prominent lawmaker Lee Ji-eun of the Progressive Party tweeted:

“The dignity of our democratic institutions continues to be tested. We must treat this moment with seriousness—not mockery.”

Conversely, conservative columnist Park Sang-hoon wrote in the Chosun Ilbo:

“Yoon’s actions are disgraceful. This is not civil disobedience—it is a tantrum from a man unwilling to face justice.”

Psychological or Strategic?

Speculation continues as to whether Yoon's protest was a result of psychological distress or a strategic ploy. Some mental health experts suggest the possibility of situational dissociation or even depression stemming from his rapid fall from power and the public disgrace that followed.

Dr. Kim Hyun-woo, a forensic psychologist, commented on a television panel:

“While such extreme behavior is rare, it is not unheard of in high-profile criminal cases involving political figures. The mind under stress can respond in highly symbolic or disruptive ways, especially when the person feels stripped of agency.”

However, others believe the stunt may have been orchestrated to draw attention away from the new charges or disrupt the continuity of the investigation.

Looking Ahead

Despite the theatrics, the prosecution insists that its case against Yoon will move forward. The former president remains incarcerated, serving a 17-year sentence, and could face additional penalties depending on the outcome of the latest investigation.

Meanwhile, the political climate remains tense. With South Korea’s next presidential election approaching in early 2027, the legacy of Yoon Suk-yeol continues to cast a long and uneasy shadow over the nation’s democratic institutions.

As one political analyst put it:

“Whether this was a breakdown or a performance, Yoon has once again managed to dominate the headlines—and disrupt the legal process. That, in itself, may have been the goal.”