Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and former first lady Kim Keon-hee have both stated that they will not appear at scheduled interrogation dates later in November.

Legal sources said Tuesday that the two suspects' lawyers had mailed their statements to special counsel Min Joong-ki the same day.

The letters reportedly cite Yoon’s packed schedule, including three ongoing criminal trials at the Seoul Central District Court, and Kim’s health.

However, both are said to have expressed willingness to appear for questioning early next month.

Min’s team had summoned Kim to appear for questioning next Monday and Yoon next Wednesday.