The Corruption Investigation Office Decides Not to Re-execute Yoon's Arrest Warrant Today... Various Options Under Review

Considering Heavy Snow Conditions... No Response Yet to 'Security Office Cooperation Letter' Sent to Acting Chief Choi

The re-execution of the arrest warrant on charges of rebellion against President Yoon Seok-yeol by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC) is unlikely to take place on the 5th. The PCC stated that it is reviewing all options, including re-execution of the arrest warrant valid until tomorrow, extension of the arrest warrant, and immediate request for a detention warrant.

Considering the weather situation with a heavy snow warning issued across Seoul and the lack of response from Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok regarding the official letter requesting cooperation from the Presidential Security Service, the PCC is reportedly planning not to attempt re-execution of the arrest warrant on this day. Given that the arrest warrant issued on the 31st of last month expires on the 6th, only one day remains to attempt re-execution. Therefore, there is still a possibility of re-execution on the 6th.

On the 2nd, the third day since the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol was issued, the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency located at the Gyeonggi Government Gwacheon Complex. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

The PCC is currently reviewing three possibilities: re-execution on the 6th, requesting the court to extend the validity period of the arrest warrant by providing reasons and obtaining reissuance, and requesting a detention warrant immediately without arrest. A PCC official stated, "While the execution of the arrest warrant is the principle, we are considering various options at this stage," adding, "We are also continuing practical consultations with the police at the joint investigation headquarters level." The official said, "There are several scenarios, whether to re-execute or request a detention warrant," and "Extension of the arrest warrant is naturally included." The official further explained that the outlook and options so far have not changed, emphasizing "There are mainly three: detention warrant, re-execution, and extension."

Although there were speculations that President Yoon’s side might consider coordination with the PCC regarding the re-execution of the warrant due to concerns about physical confrontation, the PCC explained that no notice of attorney appointment has been received so far, nor has the president expressed willingness to appear for investigation. The PCC believes that if the Presidential Security Service maintains its stance of non-cooperation with the execution of the warrant, it will be practically difficult to execute the warrant without physical confrontation. Accordingly, around 5 p.m. the previous day, the PCC sent another official letter to Acting Prime Minister Choi, who supervises the Security Service, requesting instructions for cooperation, but no separate response has been reported so far.