As the Execution of the Second Arrest Warrant for Yoon Approaches, the Presidential Office Considers Investigation at a Third Location (Comprehensive)

Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff, Issues Public Appeal
"Everyone Must Be Guaranteed the Right to Defense"
President Yoon's Legal Team States, "No Consideration Has Been Given"
Police, CIO, and Security Service Hold Tripartite Meeting
Differences Remain Unresolved Over Execution of Warrant

Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, Yonhap News

Jung Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, conveyed on the 14th through a "public appeal" that he is willing to accept an investigation of President Yoon Seok-yeol at a third location, but this did not narrow the differences in stance with the investigative authorities. The Police National Investigation Headquarters (NIH), the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), and the Presidential Security Service held a tripartite meeting that morning but failed to reach a joint announcement.

In particular, Chief Jung's message was interpreted as a progressive change in attitude regarding the execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon, but the president's legal team expressed dissent, saying "it has not been considered," which is also noteworthy.

Chief Jung stated that day, "The Presidential Office is prepared to consult with the police and CIO," and "We can consider all options, including investigation at a third location or a visit investigation of the president." He added, "Even if his duties are suspended, President Yoon, who remains the head of state and the highest constitutional institution, is being pressured as if dealing with a South American drug cartel."

With Chief Jung's public appeal released to the media early that morning, there was speculation that a dramatic agreement might emerge amid the imminent second arrest warrant. He said, "The president must be guaranteed the right to fully exercise his defense and explain his position," and "The Criminal Procedure Act stipulates that all suspects should, in principle, be investigated without detention."

Chief Jung also questioned, "Is it fitting for the Republic of Korea in 2025 for President Yoon to be handcuffed and dragged out of the Hannam-dong residence by investigators?"

Regarding this, the Joint Investigation Headquarters (JIH), which includes the CIO and police, stated that on that day, "(We met around 8 a.m.) and requested cooperation from the Security Service for safe and peaceful execution of the warrant, and we are awaiting their response." The tripartite meeting was reportedly held following a formal proposal letter from the police.

The CIO and police are expected to mobilize around 1,000 investigators for a large-scale arrest operation. There was speculation that the execution of the arrest warrant might occur on the 15th. However, due to varying opinions on the specific schedule, it is difficult to make a definitive statement.

As the second execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol is expected to be imminent, security officials are seen conversing in front of the side gate of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 14th. Photo by Yonhap News

It is also a point of interest whether the Security Service will show a progressive change in attitude. If Chief Jung's remarks reflect President Yoon's intentions, there is room for a shift in the flow. However, Yoon Gap-geun, President Yoon's lawyer, drew a line that day, saying, "There has been no consultation or consideration." Notably, Lawyer Yoon claimed that the president's intentions are closer to the legal team rather than Chief Jung, attracting attention. The CIO also indicated that the tripartite meeting would not affect the plan to execute the arrest warrant, signaling no change in their firm stance.

Meanwhile, the ruling and opposition parties expressed contrasting positions regarding Chief Jung's statement. Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, encouraged the execution of the arrest warrant against President Yoon at a National Assembly floor strategy meeting, saying, "The livelihood economy is heading toward crisis, and the constitutional order and democracy are collapsing."

The People Power Party expressed a negative stance on the part where Chief Jung mentioned "investigation at a third location or visit investigation" but indicated willingness to accept the investigations by the CIO and police.

A key ruling party official said, "It seems to be Chief Jung's personal opinion, not consulted with the president or the president's legal team," adding, "Regarding investigative authority issues, it is appropriate for the police to conduct the investigation without interference from the CIO."