The head of South Korea’s presidential security service, Park Jong-joon, appeared before police on Friday to face questioning over charges of obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Arriving at the National Office of Investigation (NOI) at around 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), Park addressed reporters, emphasizing the importance of avoiding conflict. “There should be neither physical conflict nor bloodshed in any case, as people are worried about confrontations between government agencies,” he said.
Park is accused of blocking investigators from executing an arrest warrant for President Yoon at the presidential residence on January 3. The arrest attempt was reportedly hindered by the presidential security service, leading to charges of obstructing special public affairs against Park.
Despite two prior summons on January 4 and 7, Park had not appeared for questioning until this week. He defended his actions, stating that investigations should consider Yoon’s status as the current president and suggesting that the arrest warrant execution was improper.
A Seoul court extended the validity of the arrest warrant for President Yoon on Tuesday by issuing a second warrant, which could last longer than the initial one-week term. The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on December 14 last year and sent to the constitutional court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
President Yoon faces charges as a suspected ringleader of an insurrection. He declared martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was revoked by the National Assembly just hours later.
The unfolding events have sparked concerns about political stability in South Korea. Many are watching closely to see how the situation develops and what it means for the nation’s future.
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S. Korea's presidential security chief appears for questioning
cgtn.com
