Police: "Presidential Office Relocation to Yongsan... Preparing Measures in Cooperation with the Security Office"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the 28th, Choi Gwan-ho, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, said regarding the relocation of the presidential office, "We will closely cooperate with the Security Office to prepare comprehensive measures."

At a press briefing that morning, Commissioner Choi stated, "Under consultation with the Security Office, we have formed a task force (TF) for the relocation of the presidential office, and we are preparing response measures from the perspectives of security safety and minimizing citizen inconvenience." Earlier, on the 23rd, Commissioner Choi visited Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to inspect the commuting route between President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol’s residence and office. Separately, it is known that the Security Office and police officials have continued discussions through repeated working-level meetings. If the 'Yongsan era' opens as planned by the president-elect, the redeployment of personnel at the Yongsan Police Station, which has jurisdiction, will be inevitable. Commissioner Choi said, "We plan to take measures such as personnel adjustments after analyzing changes in workload."

The police are focusing on security around the president-elect’s office area while preparing for a potentially prolonged 'Tongui-dong era' due to delays in the Yongsan era. Commissioner Choi said, "Basically, security zones are designated under the Presidential Security Act," adding, "We are managing safety issues such as assemblies and demonstrations well according to the designated zones." Regarding management plans for assemblies held around the Tongui-dong office, he said, "We plan to review relevant laws in consultation with the National Police Agency." He also stated, "The police’s principles for handling assemblies remain the same," and "If the weight of assemblies and demonstrations shifts from Gwanghwamun to Yongsan, we anticipate the accompanying issues and focus on minimizing citizen inconvenience."

Regarding posts targeting President-elect Yoon on pro-government online communities that included 'contract killing' content, the police explained, "We started an investigation before formal charges on the 21st," adding, "We have secured posts and other materials and are reviewing legal aspects." When asked about identifying the poster, they said, "Not yet," withholding further comment. Previously, on pro-government online communities, posts appeared discussing assassination plots against President-elect Yoon, such as "Is it possible to hire a contract killer in the Philippines?" and "I want to hire a contract killer before May 9," sharing information about costs, which sparked controversy.

Regarding recent protests by disability groups continuing on the subway during commuting hours, the police stated they will respond reasonably from the perspective of conflicting fundamental rights. Commissioner Choi said, "The principle of proportionality in policing is important. The right of citizens to move and the right of disabled persons to move can conflict. We will comprehensively interpret the values pursued and the interests invoked, make judgments, and respond reasonably."

On the investigation into former Captain Lee Geun, who entered Ukraine without authorization, the police said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has additionally filed complaints against two more people for violating the Passport Act, making a total of five complaints filed," adding, "Former Captain Lee has not entered the country, and the two who accompanied him are currently coordinating their attendance schedules." Regarding the investigation into BJ Jammi, who was active on YouTube and Twitch and tragically took his own life last month, they said, "We are securing materials and conducting witness interviews with family and acquaintances."

Regarding Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who has been holding large-scale rallies in the form of election campaigns, Commissioner Choi said, "Although the situation has not escalated into illegal violent acts, violations of the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act continue to be pointed out," adding, "We will not overlook this and will adhere to principles, showing the public that the police will enforce the law consistently."