High-ranking officials express concern about the execution of President Yoon’s arrest warrant, emphasizing no casualties should occur
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporters Lee Yoomi and Cho Down = Kwon Young-se, the Chairman of the Emergency Response Committee of the People Power Party, commented on January 1st regarding several high-ranking aides of the presidential office submitting their resignations. He stated, “The presidential office, prime minister’s office, and the cabinet should carefully consider what is necessary for national stability, and make decisions and take actions in that direction.”
Kwon made this statement following a New Year’s meeting at the party headquarters in Yeouido, responding to questions from reporters about the resignations of presidential aides by reiterating the party’s focus on national stability since he took office.
On the same day, Chief Presidential Secretary Jeong Jin-seok, Policy Chief Seong Tae-yoon, National Security Chief Shin Won-sik, Diplomatic and Security Adviser Jang Ho-jin, and all other senior secretaries announced their resignations to Vice President and Minister of Economy and Finance, Choi Sang-mok. It has been interpreted as a protest against Choi’s appointment as a Constitutional Court judge.
Meanwhile, Kwon addressed the statement made by Oh Dong-woon, the head of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, regarding the execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol. Kwon said, “I have already spoken about the arrest warrant yesterday, but the entire process must avoid any casualties. I plan to communicate this appropriately with the police.”
Previously, Kwon had expressed regret over the court’s issuance of an arrest warrant for President Yoon, stating, “It is extremely unfortunate to issue an arrest warrant for a sitting president, especially during a national mourning period, when there is no concern about destruction of evidence or risk of escape.”