Kwon Seong-dong: "The Corruption Investigation Office Should Refrain from Excessive Attempts to Arrest the Sitting President"

The Corruption Investigation Office Must Refer Cases to the Police
No Authority to Investigate or Prosecute Treason Charges
"No One at the Scene Should Be Harmed"

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 3rd, "The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HCIC) should refrain from attempting to arrest the sitting president recklessly."

At the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Kwon said, "To resolve the controversy over the investigation of the treason case, the HCIC should transfer the case to the police."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the party's strategy meeting held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 3rd. January 3, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News.

The reason Kwon made this statement is that he believes the HCIC does not have the authority to investigate treason. According to the HCIC Act, the HCIC can only investigate crimes related to abuse of power and does not have the authority to investigate or prosecute treason charges. Kwon emphasized, "In a situation where social conflicts such as impeachment support and opposition continue, investigations that undermine procedural fairness will only further fuel social conflicts."

Kwon also raised concerns about the HCIC requesting a warrant related to President Yoon from the Seoul Western District Court instead of the Seoul Central District Court. The HCIC Act stipulates that first-instance trials fall under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Central District Court, and exceptions are only recognized when applying special provisions. According to the ruling party, the warrant for President Yoon was issued by a judge in charge of warrants at the Western District Court, who is a member of the progressive-leaning judges' group called ‘Uri Beop Yeonguhoe’. Kwon said, "There is no excuse even if there are criticisms of convenient judge shopping," and pointed out, "The judge arbitrarily deleted the provisions requiring institutional approval for searches of military or official secret locations (Criminal Procedure Act Articles 110 and 111)." He further argued that the judge "should be removed from duty."

Kwon also expressed concerns about the chaotic situation on the ground caused by the HCIC's reckless execution of the warrant. He said, "The HCIC's reckless attempt to execute the president's arrest warrant is a very worrisome point," adding, "There is a risk of clashes on site, and no one present should get hurt. The HCIC should not recklessly execute the warrant and end up fighting with the public." He then stated, "The HCIC should either properly consult with the Presidential Office during the investigation or step back and leave the investigation to the police."