"Police and Corruption Investigation Office, If Rushed and Caught, Yoon May Be Released... Must Prepare Thoroughly"

"If a Detention Warrant Is Requested,
The Possibility of Dismissal Is Low"

As the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (HOCI) and the police proceed with the second execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol, former Ministry of Justice Inspector General Ryu Hyuk urged, "If they rush and make mistakes, President Yoon could be released during the arrest warrant review process," adding, "They must prepare thoroughly to prevent any grounds for dispute in advance."

Former Inspector General Ryu explained on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the 15th, "When an arrest warrant review is requested, the court comprehensively examines whether the arrest warrant was justified and whether there were any illegal acts during the execution of the arrest warrant."

A minibus is leaving the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, on the 15th, as the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency (공수처) and the police proceed with the execution of the second arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News.

If the arrest warrant for President Yoon is executed, HOCI must request a detention warrant within 48 hours. In this process, if President Yoon's side requests an arrest warrant review, the court must interrogate the suspect within 48 hours and investigate the investigation-related documents and evidence to decide whether to maintain the arrest. The arrest warrant review system allows the court to consider release if the arrest by the investigative agency is deemed unjust.

Former Inspector General Ryu said, "Currently, it does not seem that the police have taken any major problematic actions," but added, "However, since President Yoon's side is presenting defense arguments that can only be seen as unreasonable, a step-by-step approach is necessary."

Former Inspector General Ryu also viewed the possibility of the detention warrant being dismissed as very low if it is requested.

He explained, "All other suspects of the rebellion charges are already detained, and heavy sentences are expected. Considering President Yoon's continuous attempts to destroy evidence and the resulting social unrest, the possibility of the warrant being dismissed is very low." He also said, "If President Yoon refuses to testify, the warrant will be requested based on the evidence already secured and the criminal facts established so far."