Yoon "Do Not Recognize Corruption Investigation Office's Investigation... Intent to Prevent Unpleasant Bloodshed" (Comprehensive)

Video Message: "A Message to the People"
Statement Following Execution of Arrest Warrant
"The Law in This Country Has Collapsed... Illegal Acts upon Illegal Acts"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is arriving at the Gwacheon Corruption Investigation Office building on the 15th. 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 a measure to prevent an unfortunate bloodshed."

In a video message titled "A Message to the People," President Yoon said, "I am deeply dismayed to see that warrants are being issued by an agency without investigative authority, and courts without warrant review authority are issuing arrest and search warrants. Moreover, the investigative agency is deceiving the public by issuing false official documents, committing repeated illegal acts, and coercively proceeding with procedures based on invalid warrants."

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

In the 2-minute and 48-second pre-recorded video released through the presidential office, President Yoon emphasized, "I do not acknowledge the investigation by the PCC. However, seeing them forcibly enter the security zone using firefighting equipment, I decided to comply with the PCC's summons to prevent an unfortunate bloodshed, even though the investigation is illegal."

On this day, dressed in a shirt without a tie and standing before the camera, President Yoon also expressed gratitude to his supporters. Despite somewhat intense expressions, he smiled and said, "I sincerely thank those who have supported and sent me much encouragement."

President Yoon added, "I have seen that the people, especially our youth, have come to truly re-recognize the preciousness of liberal democracy and have shown passion for it. Although this is a dark time when the law has collapsed, I believe the future of this country is hopeful. I wish all citizens good health and strength."

This marks the first official appearance of President Yoon in 32 days since his national address on December 14 last year, when the impeachment motion was passed.

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

The presidential office is reportedly in a somber mood following the news of President Yoon's arrest. At 2 p.m. on the same day, an emergency senior staff meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Jeong Jin-seok was held to discuss follow-up measures.

Chief Secretary Jeong revealed that before leaving the residence, President Yoon left a final message: "What matters most to me at this moment is that the people do not get hurt. I will fight to the end with the people."

Jeong stated, "We had said we would voluntarily appear, but the PCC insisted on executing the arrest warrant. In response, the president said, 'The most important thing is that the people do not get hurt,' and decided to comply with the arrest."

It is reported that Chief Secretary Jeong, along with lawyer Yoon Gap-geun, met with the investigation team at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, urging them not to execute the arrest warrant and advocating for the president's voluntary appearance.