Special Investigation Team: "Search and seizure conducted only in areas used and managed by the South Korean military... No search at other locations"
No further summons for Yoon on foreign exchange charges... "Investigation was meaningful to confirm his stance"
Former President Yoon Seok-yeol attended the first trial on charges of "obstruction of special official duties and abuse of authority to obstruct the exercise of rights" held at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 26th of last month. Photo by Joint Press Corps
Regarding the United States Forces Korea (USFK) sending a letter of protest to the South Korean government over the special investigation team led by Cho Eunseok conducting a search and seizure, the special investigation team stated, "There was no violation of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between South Korea and the United States."
On October 16, Deputy Special Prosecutor Park Jiyeong said at a regular briefing, "The claim that the special investigation team's search and seizure violated the agreement is completely untrue," adding, "At the time, the special investigation team investigator received prior approval and an access pass from the South Korean military, which holds the authority to grant access according to the memorandum of understanding between the two countries. The investigator then entered the site under strict control and escort by the South Korean military, and only entered areas used and managed by the South Korean military."
She further explained, "At the site, we presented the search and seizure warrant issued by a judge and, based on that, obtained the materials listed in the warrant through voluntary submission. No search activities took place at any other locations."
It has been reported that the United States Forces Korea, under the name of Deputy Commander David Iverson, recently sent a letter of protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing concerns over the special investigation team's search and seizure of the Air Force Master Control and Reporting Center (MCRC) at Osan Air Base on July 21.
Additionally, the special investigation team stated that, regarding the summoning and questioning of former President Yoon Seok-yeol on foreign exchange charges, they completed all of their prepared questions. However, former President Yoon exercised his right to remain silent and did not provide any answers. The team also clarified that there will be no further summons for questioning.
Deputy Special Prosecutor Park said, "Former President Yoon requested that no statement be recorded in the report and made some related remarks, but essentially, he denied the charges," adding, "The investigation was intended to confirm his stance on the foreign exchange charges, and there are no plans for additional summons."
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