(2nd LD) Presidential security chief says no clashes, bloodshed should take place over attempt to detain Yoon

All News 11:12 January 10, 2025

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By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Jan. 10 (Yonhap) -- The head of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) said Friday any clashes or bloodshed should not take place when investigators again attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law bid.

Park Chong-jun, chief of the PSS, made the remarks as he appeared before police for questioning over allegations that he has ordered presidential security officials to block the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), buttressed by police, from executing a warrant to detain Yoon.

"I believe many people must be deeply concerned about the current situation, whether government agencies are clashing and confronting each other," Park said. "There should be no physical clashes and bloodshed under any circumstances."

Park Chong-jun, chief of the Presidential Security Service, appears before the Joint Investigation Headquarters in western Seoul on Jan. 10, 2024, for questioning regarding allegations that he blocked investigators' attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. (Yonhap)

Park addressed public concerns over the confrontation between investigators and Yoon's presidential security service.

"I think the investigation should proceed in a manner befitting the status of a sitting president," Park told reporters as he entered the Joint Investigation Headquarters in western Seoul.

Yoon has refused to cooperate with the CIO's summonses for questioning or warrant execution as the agency is not technically authorized to investigate charges of insurrection that he faces over his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.

The CIO and the police are currently reviewing whether to detain PSS staff in the event they try to block a second attempt to arrest Yoon.

Buses are parked in front of the gate of President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Yongsan, central Seoul, on Jan. 10, 2024. (Yonhap)

Park, who has been booked on allegations of obstructing official duties, complied with the police's third request for questioning, after defying two previous requests.

Following the failed attempt to arrest Yoon last Friday, the PSS has reinforced the presidential residence by installing barbed wire and barricades, and using buses to block access to the residence in Seoul.

The CIO secured a new arrest warrant for Yoon on Tuesday after an initial seven-day order expired and is coordinating with police on the second attempt to arrest Yoon.

ejkim@yna.co.kr
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