Investigators weigh next steps after failed attempt to arrest Yoon
Investigators leave President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Friday, after failing to execute an arrest warrant. Yonhap
By KTimes
CIO, police may retry arrest as early as Sunday
The investigative authorities are deliberating their next move after their attempt to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol failed on Friday.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police are likely to make another attempt to execute the arrest warrant as early as Sunday. The warrant is set to expire the next day.
During the initial attempt, more than 200 members of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) formed a human chain, blocking investigators from advancing beyond the premises.
The CIO sent Saturday an official document to acting President Choi Sang-mok, who oversees the PSS, urging him to instruct the security service to comply with the execution of the arrest warrant. The CIO had previously sent a similar request to Choi on Jan. 1, but he did not respond.
Due to the expected presence of Yoon's supporters near his Hannam-dong residence over the weekend, the operation may be delayed until Monday, when a smaller crowd is anticipated.
Members of the Presidential Security Service block the entrance to President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, with vehicles, Friday, as investigators attempt to execute an arrest warrant. Yonhap
Direct detention warrant also on table
If these attempts fail, the CIO could bypass both arrest and direct questioning to immediately apply for a detention warrant.
Legal experts say that a detention warrant could be issued even if Yoon does not attend a pre-detention hearing. If the warrant is granted, the case must proceed to trial within 20 days, with the CIO and prosecutors splitting the investigation period evenly.
A lawyer and former prosecutor for the CIO said, “The CIO likely knew from the outset that executing the arrest warrant might be impossible and that even if successful, conducting a thorough investigation could prove difficult. Despite this, they went ahead, indicating their confidence that the current evidence alone is strong enough to obtain a detention warrant.”
If Yoon continues to ignore the arrest warrant by its expiration on Jan. 6, investigators may seek to renew it. This would involve filing a new request with the court, justifying the need for an extension.
Presidential Security Service chief Park Chong-jun, left, and Presidential Yoon Suk Yeol / Newsis
Presidential security chief refuses to comply with police summons
Park Chong-jun, the head of the PSS, and his deputy have refused to comply with a police summons for questioning over allegations of obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon.
In a statement distributed to the media, the PSS said, “Given the current critical nature of presidential security operations, neither the chief nor the deputy can leave their posts, even briefly. Discussions are ongoing with the police to arrange a future date for questioning.”
The joint investigation team has charged Park and his deputy with obstruction of official duties and summoned them for questioning at 2 p.m. on Jan. 4, following the PSS's obstruction that prevented the execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.