Yoon Seok-yeol's Side: "File Charges or Request Pretrial Detention... Will Respond to Court Trial"

"If filed at a non-jurisdictional Western District Court, acceptance will be denied"

[Image source = Presidential Office]

As a second arrest warrant was issued against President Yoon Suk-yeol, the president's side stated, "Indict him. Otherwise, request a pre-arrest warrant," expressing their intention to respond to a court trial instead of an investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (HCID).

On the afternoon of the 8th, Yoon's legal team, including lawyer Yoon Gap-geun, held a briefing at the Korea Conference Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, stating, "Our position remains that we cannot comply with investigations conducted under the arrest warrant issued by Hyo-in, but to prevent public discomfort and sacrifice of public officials, we will comply with procedures conducted by the court."

The legal team emphasized, "If the request is made to the Seoul Western District Court, which does not have HCID jurisdiction, we cannot accept that part," adding, "The HCID jurisdiction lies with the Seoul Central District Court." They also indicated that they would comply if the HCID issues a pre-arrest warrant through the Seoul Central District Court. Yoon's side added, "The public is suffering from the severe cold, and public officials are also experiencing significant conflict. Please consider this as a step back made in good faith."

Yoon's legal team criticized rumors, saying, "Since last night, there have been baseless rumors spreading that the president fled, based on reports received from the National Assembly," and added, "We met at the residence yesterday. These are groundless stories." Regarding the Constitutional Court's impeachment trial, they said, "Once the controversy is somewhat settled and the president is in a position to speak, he can attend the Constitutional Court. There is no limit on the number of times." However, the legal team noted, "Attendance will only be possible once security and personal safety issues are resolved."