The joint investigation headquarters, composed of the police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), and the Defense Ministry's investigative headquarters, attempted a search and seizure of the server located within the presidential office on the 17th. However, they are unable to enter due to a prolonged standoff with the Presidential Security Service. On the 11th, they also attempted a search and seizure of the presidential office and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but were refused entry by the security service on the grounds of official and military secrecy, receiving only some documents submitted voluntarily.
On this day, the joint investigation headquarters sent investigators to the presidential office to attempt a search and seizure of the server storing data related to the secure phone used by Korean National Police Agency Commissioner General Eo Cheong-soo, a phone equipped with eavesdropping and recording prevention programs. Investigators from the joint investigation headquarters arrived at the civil affairs office of the presidential office around 10:20 a.m. However, they are currently waiting as the Security Service has not permitted entry due to reasons of official and military secrecy. Meanwhile, the search and seizure at the police commissioner's residence, conducted simultaneously, has concluded.
The joint investigation headquarters also received a search and seizure warrant aimed at securing the communication records from Commissioner Eo's secure phone stored on the security service server. However, according to the criminal procedure code, a search or seizure cannot be conducted at the presidential office without the approval of the person in charge. Commissioner Eo is currently detained on charges of rebellion.
Commissioner Eo reportedly testified during the special investigation team's inquiry at the Korean National Police Agency's special investigation team on the state of emergency that Commissioner Eo had six phone calls with President Yoon Suk-yeol using the secure phone on the day of the state of emergency declaration. The special investigation team seized the secure phone from the commissioner's office during the search and seizure on the 11th. However, it was revealed that the server where communication records are stored is still under investigation.
The Security Service provides and manages the secure phones. On this day, the joint investigation headquarters attempted a search and seizure of the Security Service's server storing information related to the secure phones but is facing continued confrontation as the service refuses to comply.
The Security Service has consistently denied investigative agencies entry to the presidential office (Cheong Wa Dae) premises based on the search and seizure restriction provisions of the criminal procedure code. This is due to provisions stating that places requiring military secrecy cannot be searched or seized without the person responsible's consent (Article 110) and that matters related to an official's job-related secrecy cannot be seized without the consent of the affiliated agency or supervising authority (Article 111).