In a public appeal, Chief Presidential Secretary Jeong Jin-seok requested the safeguarding of self-defense rights, emphasizing, “Even though duties have been suspended, officials are treating President Yoon Suk-yeol like a South American drug cartel leader.”
Jeong expressed concern over national institutions clashing head-on, leading to a potential division of the country, highlighting an urgent need to prevent such a crisis. He claimed that the police, the Corruption Investigation Office, and the National Investigation Headquarters are planning to storm the presidential residence and arrest the president, mentioning the mobilization of drug crime investigation officers.
Jeong clarified that they are not seeking special treatment for President Yoon, but rather asking for the self-defense rights that any citizen of a free democratic republic should enjoy. He stressed the need for the president to fully exercise his defense rights and explain his position, which should be a right guaranteed to all citizens.
He also reminded that the constitution presumes all criminal defendants innocent until proven guilty, and the Criminal Procedure Act states that investigations should generally be conducted without detention. Jeong questioned why President Yoon should be expelled from the judicial framework, protesting the image of the president in handcuffs, which he argued is not fitting for South Korea in 2025.
Jeong expressed concerns about potential clashes between police forces and presidential security, warning that such conflicts could lead to unimaginable tragedies. He called on Acting President Choi Sang-mok to intervene, as the police and security should follow the executive instructions.
Ultimately, Jeong indicated the presidential office’s readiness to negotiate with the police and investigative offices, considering options for third-party or on-site investigations, urging them to maintain composure.