Yoon Sanghyun: "Is the CIO Acting on Democratic Party Orders?... President Yoon's Decision Deserves Attention"

"Complicity in Bloodshed... Dereliction of Duty"
"Halting Execution Is Not a Defeat"
"We Must Remain Rational, Not Emotional"

Yoon Sanghyun, a member of the People Power Party, criticized the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) for investigating President Yoon Sukyeol on charges of insurrection and demanded that the execution of the arrest warrant be halted.

On January 9, through his social media account, Yoon stated, "The CIO does not have the authority to investigate insurrection charges. Such cases should be investigated by the police, and it is lawful for the police to apply for arrest and search warrants. President Yoon has pointed out these legal issues and has not complied with the CIO's investigation or the execution of the arrest warrant for this reason."

Yoon Sanghyun, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

He continued, "Nevertheless, given the tremendous sacrifices of the public and related officials, and the high risk of possible bloodshed, President Yoon has expressed his willingness to stand trial if the CIO proceeds with an indictment or requests a pretrial detention warrant. However, the CIO insists on forcibly executing the arrest warrant." He added, "I want to ask the CIO what their true intention is in insisting on carrying out the arrest warrant. Is it to disgrace the President at any cost and subject him to a trial by public opinion? Or, as Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Sangsik essentially colluded with the National Investigation Headquarters, is the CIO also acting on orders from the Democratic Party?"

He went on to say, "If the CIO ignores President Yoon's proposal and pushes ahead with the execution of the arrest warrant, it would be an admission that their actions are solely to serve the Democratic Party and Lee Jaemyung. This would also constitute neglect of duty and dereliction of official responsibility by facilitating bloodshed and endangering the lives of the people." He further explained, "President Yoon has only called attention to the illegitimacy of the CIO's investigation and the unlawful arrest warrant, as the CIO lacks authority to investigate insurrection charges. He has never said he would not comply with judicial procedures. On the contrary, he has stated that he is willing to face investigation or impeachment with dignity, taking legal and political responsibility."

Yoon emphasized, "The CIO should accept President Yoon's proposal and halt the execution of the arrest warrant. The process should proceed according to the law. From indictment and pretrial detention warrants to trial and judgment, everything can be conducted calmly in accordance with legal procedures at the Seoul Central District Court, which has jurisdiction over the CIO. Halting the execution of the arrest warrant does not mean the CIO has lost." He concluded, "Now is the time to remain rational rather than emotional. Please pay attention to President Yoon's courageous decision. This is the best way to prevent the current chaos and bloodshed."