Oh Sehoon: "CIO Must Step Back for Resolution... Insurrection Investigation Should Be Handed to Police"

"Is Deploying Special Forces and a Physical Arrest Really Necessary?"

Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon directly criticized the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), arguing that the police should be in charge of investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol for insurrection charges.

On January 9, Mayor Oh wrote on Facebook, "I cannot remain silent about the situation in which the CIO, whose very existence is justified by 'punishing illegality,' is itself causing 'controversy over illegality' and driving the situation into extreme confusion," adding, "The problem will be resolved only if the CIO steps back."

Yonhap News

While acknowledging President Yoon's wrongdoing, Mayor Oh raised issues with the CIO's investigation process. He stated, "The declaration of martial law was clearly wrong, and the president is now facing judgment through the prescribed impeachment procedures. It is true that President Yoon, by refusing to cooperate with the investigation, has contributed to the current situation. However, is it really necessary to mention deploying special forces and insist on a physical arrest?" He continued, "I cannot understand the CIO's attitude of exaggerating the situation as if the essence of the investigation is to hunt down and arrest the president, especially when there is no risk of flight."

Mayor Oh further stated, "The CIO's actions have deviated from the fundamental purpose of 'fact-finding,'" and noted, "Most of those involved in the martial law case have already been detained, and the president's side has also agreed to cooperate with a legitimate investigation."

Citing these reasons, Mayor Oh argued that the police should be responsible for the insurrection investigation. He emphasized, "The CIO has already lost its legitimacy and public trust as an investigative body. The CIO should hand over the case to the police, who have the authority to investigate insurrection charges, and the police should proceed according to the law and proper procedures."

Mayor Oh also stated, "What we need right now is stability, not conflict," and urged, "The president must also cooperate faithfully with the investigation to help resolve the national crisis."