"'Suspended from Duty' Yoon on Muan Airport Accident: 'I Will Stand with the People'"

"Deep Condolences and Sympathy to the Bereaved Families"
"Government Believed to Do Its Best in Handling the Situation"
Yoon Does Not Comply with the 3rd Appearance Request from the Corruption Investigation Office on This Day

President Yoon Suk-yeol

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his condolences regarding the aircraft accident that occurred on the 29th at Muan International Airport, stating, "We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to those who lost their precious lives and to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones."

On the afternoon of the same day, President Yoon posted on his social media service (SNS) Facebook, saying, "I am deeply saddened and devastated."

This is the first time President Yoon, whose duties have been suspended due to impeachment during the state of emergency, has posted on Facebook since November 13, when he posted a message of support for students ahead of the college entrance exam.

President Yoon said, "I believe the government will do its best to manage the accident and support the victims," and added, "I hope efforts will be made to ensure the safety of firefighters and all rescue personnel as the top priority even in this urgent situation."

He continued, "I will also stand with the people to overcome this difficult situation as soon as possible."

Although President Yoon’s duties have been suspended, the Presidential Office supported the accident response by holding an emergency senior officials meeting at 11:30 a.m. chaired by Chief Presidential Secretary Jeong Jin-seok.

The Presidential Office stated that during the meeting, they thoroughly discussed measures to identify the cause of the accident and the exact facts, and to ensure a thorough response system including rescue and medical support, as well as cooperation and coordination among related ministries.

Meanwhile, President Yoon did not comply with the third summons issued by the High-ranking Officials’ Crime Investigation Office (HOCI) on the same day.

HOCI had notified President Yoon on the 26th to appear at the HOCI office in the Government Complex Gwacheon for investigation, but President Yoon did not respond to the summons without submitting a lawyer appointment notice or reasons for absence.

Accordingly, it is reported that HOCI is strongly considering forcibly securing President Yoon’s custody.

According to the Criminal Procedure Act, if a suspect refuses to appear without justifiable reasons or is likely to refuse, the investigative agency can obtain an arrest warrant from the court and forcibly secure the suspect’s custody.