The chief of South Korea’s presidential security service, Park Jong-joon, appeared before police for questioning on Friday on charges of obstructing the execution of a warrant to arrest President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Park arrived at the National Office of Investigation (NOI) at around 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), responding to the third summons issued by police after he declined to appear on January 4 and 7.
Speaking to reporters before entering the NOI, Park emphasized the need to prevent any physical conflicts or bloodshed between government agencies. He stated that investigations should respect President Yoon’s current status, arguing that the execution of the arrest warrant was improper.
Park has been booked on charges of obstructing the execution of special public affairs after the presidential security service blocked investigators’ attempt to arrest President Yoon at the presidential residence on January 3.
On Tuesday, a Seoul court extended the warrant to arrest Yoon by issuing a second warrant against the impeached president. The second warrant is reportedly valid for a longer period than the first, which was valid for a week.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 last year and delivered to the constitutional court for deliberation, which can take up to 180 days. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
President Yoon was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charges after he declared martial law on the night of December 3. The National Assembly revoked the martial law hours later.
The ongoing political turmoil in South Korea has raised concerns both domestically and internationally, as the nation navigates the complex process of impeachment and the potential ramifications for its governance and stability.
