Yoon "Do Not Recognize Corruption Investigation Office's Investigation... Aiming to Prevent Unfortunate Bloodshed"

Video Message: "A Message to the People"

On the 15th, President Yoon Seok-yeol, who arrived at the Gwacheon Public Officials Corruption Investigation Office building for the execution of the second arrest warrant, entered the building through the back gate. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju

President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was arrested by the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) and the police, stated on the 15th, "Unfortunately, the law in this country has completely collapsed," adding, "As the president who must uphold the Constitution and legal system of the Republic of Korea, complying with such illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment of them, but rather a measure to prevent an unfortunate bloodshed."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is delivering a national address regarding his appearance at the Corruption Investigation Office on the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News

In a video message titled 'A Message to the People,' President Yoon said, "Seeing warrants being issued by an agency without investigative authority, and courts without warrant review authority issuing arrest and search warrants, and witnessing investigative agencies issuing false official documents to deceive the public?such illegalities upon illegalities being committed, and coercive procedures being carried out based on invalid warrants?is truly deplorable."

He continued, "Even if I suffer such disadvantages, I hope that our citizens will not have to experience such incidents in future criminal cases."

President Yoon emphasized, "I do not acknowledge the investigation by the PCC," adding, "Today, seeing them forcibly enter the security zone with firefighting equipment, I decided to comply with the PCC's summons, despite the investigation being illegal, to prevent an unfortunate bloodshed."

He said, "Seeing the public, especially our youth, deeply re-recognize the value of liberal democracy and show their passion for it, I believe that although the law has collapsed and these are pitch-dark times, the future of this country is hopeful," concluding with, "I wish all citizens good health and strength."