"Over Ten People Tried to Drag Yoon Out by His Limbs... Yoon Pleaded, 'Please, Just Let Me Go'"

Yoon's Attorneys Assert
"Yoon Fell from Chair During Forced Removal... Will Hold Those Responsible"
"First Attempt in History to Drag a Detained Suspect Out by Force"

Former President Yoon Sukyeol's legal team strongly criticized the Special Prosecutor Kim Keonhee's team on August 7, claiming that they had attempted to execute an arrest warrant in an excessive manner and warning that they would hold those responsible legally accountable. The attorneys also stated, "At the time the special prosecutor's team attempted to execute the arrest warrant, former President Yoon strongly resisted and pleaded, 'Please, just let me go.'

Former President Yoon Sukyeol is coming out after the warrant hearing at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on July 9, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Bae Boyoon and Song Jinho, attorneys representing former President Yoon, held a press conference in front of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office that afternoon. They argued, "This is the first time in the history of our country that an attempt has been made to execute an arrest warrant for a detained suspect by grabbing their arms and legs and dragging them out." They added, "All those involved in any illegal acts that occurred during this process will be held fully accountable."

Earlier that morning, the special prosecutor's team had attempted once again to execute the arrest warrant for former President Yoon, but failed. In a statement to the media, the team said, "Starting at around 8:25 a.m., we attempted to execute the arrest warrant using physical force and other means. However, due to the suspect's strong resistance and concerns at the scene about possible injuries, we decided to halt the execution at 9:40 a.m."

According to former President Yoon's legal team, on that day, Yoon complied with the detention center's request to 'get dressed and come out,' after which they said, 'If you come out, we will call your attorney.' He then entered the 'departure chief's' room and met with his attorney. Afterwards, the special prosecutor's team demanded that the attorney leave. When the attorney refused, the team stated they would 'enforce compulsory measures,' and forcibly removed the attorneys from the room, according to Yoon's side.

They further explained, "About ten young people grabbed former President Yoon, who was sitting in a chair, by the arms and legs on both sides and tried to lift him up and put him into a vehicle."

They continued, "When former President Yoon continued to strongly resist, they tried once again to lift the entire chair with the president still seated in it and move him in that way. During this process, the chair suddenly slipped backward, causing former President Yoon to fall to the ground." The legal team added, "Former President Yoon also hit his back on the chair leg, and his arm was pulled so hard that he said, 'My arm feels like it will come out. Please, just let me go,' and only then was he able to barely escape the use of force."

Since being re-detained on July 10, former President Yoon has refused to comply with both the special prosecutor's summons and the sedition trial, citing health issues. The validity period for the arrest warrant for former President Yoon expires on this day.