Public Appeal: "Guarantee the Right to Self-Defense"
Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, stated on the 14th, "The police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) are being reckless," adding, "Even though his duties have been suspended, they are still pushing President Yoon Seok-yeol, the head of state and the highest constitutional authority, as if dealing with a South American drug cartel."
In a public appeal on the same day, Chief Jung said, "The nation is at risk of division due to a direct confrontation between state institutions," and expressed a "desperate determination to prevent that from happening at all costs."
He said, "The CIO, the police, and the National Investigation Headquarters have completed preparations for a siege," adding, "They are ready to tear down the walls at any time and handcuff President Yoon, who is isolated in the Hannam-dong residence, and drag him out. It is said that even drug crime investigation teams are being mobilized by the police and the CIO."
He continued, "We are not asking for special treatment for President Yoon Seok-yeol," but appealed, "We are asking to guarantee the right to self-defense that any citizen of a liberal democratic republic can enjoy."
Chief Jung stated, "The president must be allowed to fully exercise his right to self-defense and explain his position," emphasizing, "This is a right that must be equally guaranteed not only to the president but to all our citizens."
He also stressed, "Our constitution clearly states that all criminal suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty," and "The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that all suspects should be investigated while not in detention as a principle."
Chief Jung questioned, "Why should only President Yoon Seok-yeol be expelled outside our judicial system?" and asked, "Is it appropriate for President Yoon to be handcuffed and led out of the Hannam-dong residence by investigators in the Republic of Korea in 2025?"
He expressed his greatest concern about "the possibility of a clash between police forces and the Presidential Security Service," warning, "If a conflict occurs between the police and citizens, an unimaginable tragedy could happen."
Furthermore, he said, "The only person who can prevent this conflict now is Choi Sang-mok, the acting president who heads the executive branch," and added, "The police and the Security Service must follow the instructions and command of the acting president, who is the head of the executive branch."
Finally, Chief Jung appealed, "The Presidential Office is ready to consult with the police and the CIO. We can consider investigations at a third location or on-site visits regarding the president," and urged, "We hope the police, the CIO, and the National Investigation Headquarters regain their composure."
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