Yoon Suk-yeol, presidential candidate from the main opposition People Power Party, during a presidential debate at the MBC studio in Seoul, South Korea, on Monday, Feb. 21, 2022. Ruling Democratic Party and main opposition People Power Party agreed to convene a plenary session Monday to push through extra budget aimed to support self-employed small enterprises, Yonhap News says, citing the two parties. Photographer: Lee Young-ho/Sipa Press/Bloomberg
In a bold move, South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) announced on Monday that it has requested the cooperation of the Ministry of Defence and the Presidential Security Service (PSS) as part of its second attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-Yeol.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the CIO issued official letters late Sunday urging the defense ministry and PSS to comply with the law, warning that failure to do so could result in serious legal consequences.
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The CIO’s letter to the defence ministry emphasized that any soldier obstructing the execution of arrest warrants or blocking searches of the presidential residence could face criminal charges or claims for damages, should any harm come to people or property.
The agency extended a similar warning to the Presidential Security Service, cautioning that personnel who hinder investigations could face disciplinary actions, including the loss of public servant status, restrictions on rehiring, and limitations on pension benefits.
Despite these stern warnings, the CIO assured that members of the security service who defy illegal orders to obstruct the execution of warrants would not face penalties or adverse consequences.
The dramatic development comes after weeks of tensions in Seoul, where Yoon has remained holed up in his hillside compound, barricaded by his loyal PSS team.
Meanwhile, outside the gates, hundreds of his conservative supporters have gathered in a bid to protect the embattled president, who maintains that his actions, including declaring martial law, were justified.
Yoon has insisted that the arrest warrant against him is “illegal and invalid” and has vowed to “fight until the end.”
Yoon’s supporters, fearing that he could be detained if he leaves his residence to attend impeachment hearings, have rallied around him, intensifying the political drama in the capital.
Meanwhile, rival protestors have also taken to the streets, braving harsh winter conditions to demand his arrest, further dividing the country.
As the situation unfolds, the CIO is under pressure to navigate a delicate balance between legal enforcement and the political climate surrounding the impeached president.
With the nation’s attention focused on Yoon’s next moves, the investigation is poised to escalate in the coming days.
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