On January 10th, the acting president of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, accepted the resignation of the Presidential Security Office director, Park Jong-jun. Park Jong-jun is facing questioning by the police as he urged the investigation into impeached President Yoon Suk-yuel to be conducted in a manner suitable for the current president’s status.
Last week, Park Jong-jun’s leadership of the Presidential Security Service clashed with anti-corruption and police investigation personnel who came to arrest Yoon Suk-yuel in a confrontation that lasted for six hours. This led to allegations of obstructing judicial investigations as Park had previously ignored two summonses.
Before arriving to be questioned by the police, Park Jong-jun once again criticized the attempt to detain Yoon Suk-yuel, stating that the investigation should be conducted in a manner suitable for the current president’s status, while upholding the “dignity of the nation”.
He said, “Many citizens undoubtedly feel concerned about the possible conflicts and confrontations between government agencies. I am here today because I believe that under no circumstances should there be physical altercations or bloodshed, and I hope to prevent such incidents from occurring.”
He mentioned that he had repeatedly called Acting President Choi Sang-mok, urging him to coordinate alternative plans with law enforcement agencies and making similar requests to Yoon Suk-yuel’s lawyers, but did not receive satisfactory responses. The anti-corruption investigation agency also criticized Choi Sang-mok for refusing to instruct the Presidential Security Service to comply with the arrest warrant.
On the other hand, Acting President Choi Sang-mok expressed regret over the conflict between law enforcement officials and the Presidential Security Office and called on legislators to reach a bipartisan agreement to initiate an independent investigation.
He stated, “The government has been considering finding a wise solution, but unfortunately, within our current legal framework, it is difficult to find a clear way to end the conflict between the two institutions. We urge the ruling party and the opposition party to work together to reach a consensus on the Special Prosecutor’s Investigation Act that does not involve constitutional issues. This will naturally resolve the current intense confrontation.”
He proposed that the parliament prepare a bill to appoint a special prosecutor. Previously, Choi Sang-mok had rejected a special prosecutor bill supported by the opposition because the bill only allowed for the nomination of a special prosecutor candidate recommended by the opposition party.
The new bill proposed by the opposition was also opposed by the faction led by Yoon Suk-yuel. The bill suggested that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court recommend two candidates to Yoon Suk-yuel, who would then choose one to serve as the special prosecutor. If Yoon Suk-yuel refused to appoint anyone, the bill stipulated that the elder of the two candidates would automatically assume the position.
Yoon Suk-yuel is facing impeachment due to the brief martial law declared on December 3rd of last year, resulting in the suspension of presidential power. His fate now rests in the hands of the Constitutional Court. The court has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove him from office or dismiss the charges and reinstate him.
Furthermore, he faces an investigation into allegations of involvement in rebellion. The president does not have immunity from charges of rebellion or treason.
In this investigation, the Western District Court in Seoul issued a new arrest warrant to detain Yoon Suk-yuel on Tuesday, as the previous week-long arrest warrant had expired. The agency and the police have not publicly disclosed the validity period of the new arrest warrant.
Yoon Suk-yuel’s lawyers have questioned the legality of the new arrest warrant issued by the Western District Court, arguing that the anti-corruption agency does not have the legal authority to investigate rebellion charges or order the detention of a suspect.
They also argue that the arrest and search warrant for Yoon Suk-yuel cannot be executed at his residence, citing a law that protects locations related to military secrets from search without the consent of the responsible party. In this case, Yoon Suk-yuel is considered the responsible party for this location.
Yoon Suk-yuel’s lawyers have urged the anti-corruption investigation agency to either sue the president or apply for a formal arrest warrant, which requires a court hearing.
They also stated that Yoon Suk-yuel would only comply with arrest warrants issued by the Central District Court in Seoul, as this court is responsible for handling most critical requests in high-profile cases. The current arrest warrant was signed by the Western District Court. Yoon Suk-yuel’s lawyers mentioned that the judges who signed the arrest warrant in the Western District Court tend to support the opposition.
While awaiting his fate, a poll released this week shows that the support for the People’s Power Party (PPP), led by Yoon Suk-yuel, has increased, and calls for his permanent removal have weakened.
According to a Gallup Korea survey released on Friday, January 10th, 64% of respondents supported Yoon Suk-yuel’s resignation, which was previously as high as 75% shortly after the declaration of martial law.
In this week’s survey of 1,004 people, the support rate for the People’s Power Party rose to 34%, similar to levels before December 3rd, while a month ago it stood at 24%.
Analysts suggest that the long-term uncertainty surrounding Yoon Suk-yuel’s fate has not only motivated his supporters but has also softened the attitudes of some critics, who are concerned that the Democratic Party leader, Lee In-myeong, may become president.
In November of last year, Lee In-myeong was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year suspension for allegedly violating the Public Official Election Act and is currently appealing the verdict.
(This article referenced reports from the Associated Press and Reuters)