Presidential Office Proposes 'Third-Party Location Investigation' for Yoon... Opposition Demands Execution of Arrest Warrant

Chung Jinseok Makes Urgent Public Appeal
Opposition Urges Choi Sangmok to Suspend Security Officials, Calls for Execution of Yoon's Arrest Warrant
Ruling Party: "Chung Jinseok's Personal Opinion... Investigation Should Be by Police, Not the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency"

On January 14, Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jinseok demanded that President Yoon Seokyeol's right to defense be guaranteed, suggesting options such as an investigation at a third-party location. However, skepticism was expressed not only by the opposition parties but also within the ruling party regarding Chung's proposal.

In a public appeal to the nation on the same day, Chief of Staff Chung stated, "State institutions are on a collision course, putting the country at risk of division," adding, "With a desperate sense of urgency to prevent this at all costs, I am making this direct appeal to the public."

He emphasized, "The President must be fully guaranteed the right to defend himself and to explain his position," and continued, "The presidential office is ready to consult with the police and the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency. We are open to considering an investigation at a third-party location or even a visit-based investigation of the President."

Regarding President Yoon, Chief of Staff Chung said, "The President's situation is like a lonely castle at sunset," expressing his distress by stating, "Even if his duties have been suspended, President Yoon Seokyeol remains the head of state and the highest constitutional authority, yet he is being treated as if he were a South American drug gang leader."

On the 13th, as the second arrest warrant execution attempt against President Yoon Seokyeol by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency neared, security officials were surveying the surroundings at the presidential residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Park Chandae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged the execution of the arrest warrant during a floor strategy meeting at the National Assembly, saying, "As the arrest of Yoon Seokyeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, is delayed, the livelihoods of the people and the economy are heading toward crisis, and the constitutional order and democracy are collapsing." Seemingly in response to Chief of Staff Chung's remarks, Park also commented, "It is said that President Yoon, during a lunch with security officials, instructed them to use knives if guns could not be used to prevent his arrest. What is he, a drug gang boss?" Regarding the execution of the arrest warrant, Park addressed Choi Sangmok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, saying, "If you immediately suspend officials such as Kim Sunghoon, Chief of Security, and Lee Kwangho, Director General, who are inciting illegal acts, you can prevent a bloody clash."

The People Power Party took a negative stance toward Chief of Staff Chung's suggestion of "investigation at a third-party location or a visit-based investigation," despite his expressed willingness to accept investigations by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency and the police. A key official from the People Power Party said, "It seems to be the personal opinion of the Chief of Staff, not something discussed with the President or his legal team," and added, "There are also issues regarding investigative authority, so the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency should not interfere, and the police should handle the investigation." In other words, they are insisting on rejecting the investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency.

Park Chandae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Kim Bohyup, chief spokesperson for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, criticized, "What nonsense is this about being willing to submit to a visit-based investigation or an investigation at a third-party location?" He added, "A serious criminal cannot simply shop around for an investigative agency or choose the location of the investigation." Kim further advised, "I hope Yoon Seokyeol will walk out on his own and submit to the investigation by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency. Even someone accused of rebellion is entitled to fully defend themselves with the help of legal counsel, as a citizen of the Republic of Korea."