High-ranking official Dong-un Oh states, “Obstructing official duties if the door is not opened”
Execution planned before the 6th … Application for arrest warrant within 48 hours of arrest
On the afternoon of the 1st, a protest against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol took place near the president’s residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The conservative group chanted slogans like “Protect Yoon Suk-yeol,” while progressive groups on the opposite side demanded “Arrest the leader of the insurrection,” calling for a forced investigation. Although there were no physical clashes, there were verbal exchanges and shouting throughout the protests.
As the arrest warrant for President Yoon entered its second day, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) had not yet executed the warrant, possibly to avoid conflict while negotiating with the Presidential Security Service. It is being analyzed that the CIO is pressuring President Yoon to voluntarily comply with the arrest warrant.
On the morning of the 1st, the head of the CIO, Dong-un Oh, told reporters that they would execute the arrest warrant for President Yoon, accused of being the leader of an insurrection, by the 6th, the valid period. He warned that if the security service blocks the execution by locking the gate to the presidential residence, it could be considered “obstruction of official duties.”
The CIO is preparing options such as deploying police forces in collaboration with the National Investigation Headquarters, should the Security Service not cooperate. There is speculation that individuals from the Security Service could be arrested for obstructing official duties. The CIO sent an official letter to the Security Service requesting cooperation in executing the arrest warrant.
Oh refrained from commenting on the exact timing of the warrant execution, stating only that it is under discussion with the joint investigation headquarters, which includes the CIO, the police, and the Ministry of National Defense Investigation Headquarters. Some speculate it could happen at night due to a search warrant allowing execution before sunrise or after sunset. However, Oh noted that “proper protocol will be maintained,” suggesting that a night execution is unlikely. This press encounter was initiated by Oh himself, seemingly to issue a final warning to President Yoon’s side publicly. If the arrest is not executed and resistance continues, an application for a detention warrant or non-custodial indictment without investigation may be considered.
If the CIO secures President Yoon’s custody, they might use a Security Service vehicle for transportation. They plan to take President Yoon to the CIO’s office in the Government Complex in Gwacheon for immediate questioning. The CIO must apply for a detention warrant within 48 hours of arresting President Yoon. Once the detention warrant is granted by the court, they may extend it to secure custody for up to 20 days. While the CIO can investigate the President, it lacks prosecutorial power and must complete its investigation within 20 days before transferring the case to the prosecution for indictment.