Rebellion Special Prosecutor Team Declares "We Will Not Be Dragged Along" ... Files Arrest Warrant for Yoon

"Beopbulagwi" Stresses Equality Before the Law
Yoon's Team Claims "Lack of Procedural Legitimacy"

Special Prosecutor Cho Eunseok, leading the rebellion investigation, made a surprise move on June 24 by filing an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Sukyeol, stating, "We will not be dragged along." This is the first major action targeting Yoon, the central figure in the case, just six days after the investigation began. The legal community views this as the start of an intense strategic battle between Cho, a former elite prosecutor, and Yoon, who also has a background in special investigations.

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is attending the 8th trial session for charges of leading a rebellion and abuse of authority obstructing the exercise of rights at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on June 23, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Park Jiyoung, spokesperson for the rebellion special prosecutor's team, publicly disclosed the filing of the arrest warrant and stated, "The special prosecutor has a limited investigation period and several matters scheduled for inquiry," adding, "We must not be dragged along." This signals the team's intention to conduct the investigation on their own terms, not at the pace set by former President Yoon. The charges listed in Yoon's arrest warrant include obstructing the execution of arrest warrants by the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, as well as ordering the deletion of secure phone records. The police, who initially handled the case, summoned Yoon three times, but he refused to comply.

Park emphasized, "Former President Yoon is just one among several suspects," and added, "All other related individuals have been investigated, but he is the only one who has not cooperated." Park also referenced the phrase "Beopbulagwi," which means "the law does not flatter the noble," signifying equality before the law, as found in the ancient Chinese text Han Feizi. Furthermore, Park made it clear that if Yoon is arrested, he will not be given a separate interrogation room due to his status as a former president.

In general, prosecutors with a background in special investigations, often referred to as "specialist prosecutors," prioritize speed and timing during investigations. The rebellion special prosecutor's early filing of a detention warrant for former Defense Minister Kim Yonghyun, while other special prosecutors were still assembling their teams, can be seen in this context. During investigations, fierce psychological and public opinion battles with suspects are also common. The rebellion special prosecutor's repeated references to "not being dragged along," "just one among several suspects," and "Beopbulagwi" can be interpreted as part of this strategic approach.

In response, Yoon's team announced on June 25 that they had submitted an opinion to the court, arguing that "the arrest warrant lacks procedural legitimacy." Previously, Yoon's legal representatives stated, "Former President Yoon planned to cooperate with the investigation after coordinating the schedule following the launch of the special prosecutor's office, but the special prosecutor filed a surprise warrant request," adding, "He intends to actively comply with future summonses in accordance with due process."

By clarifying that he will respond to legitimate requests, rather than unconditionally refusing to appear, Yoon is leaving some room for negotiation. This is interpreted as a strategy to appeal to the court by showing that he is not simply refusing to cooperate, while also avoiding the immediate pressure from the special prosecutor.

The court's decision on whether to issue the arrest warrant could come as early as June 25. If the warrant is issued, the special prosecutor's team is expected to execute it immediately.