Lee Ho-young, acting commissioner of the Korean National Police Agency, stated on the 6th that the refusal to respond to a request from Choi Sang-mok, acting deputy prime minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, to deploy police force when the High-ranking Officials Criminal Investigation Agency attempted to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Sung-yeol, was not considered insubordination.
When acting commissioner Lee was asked about the issue during the regular press briefing that day, Lee said, “It is intended to receive various judgments. It is not my position to discuss whether it is insubordination or not,” confirming the stance. Regarding the conversation with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Choi on the 3rd, Lee said, “It is difficult to disclose the confidential nature of the call,” and added, “I report on public security administration conditions as part of work reports.” In response to whether a direct contact was received from the Presidential Security Service, Lee said, “I cannot confirm that.”
Previously, ruling party members claimed that when the inspectors and investigators from the High-ranking Officials Criminal Investigation Agency attempted to arrest President Yoon on the 3rd and entered the official residence, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Choi ordered the police to 'deploy police force for the protection of President Yoon' following a request from the Presidential Security Service. Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at the emergency parliamentary caucus that “the police refused cooperation with Choi's directive” and said it was “beyond a mere refusal to cooperate; it's insubordination.”
Regarding the future potential execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon, acting commissioner Lee stated, “I have discussed with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to operate according to due process and intend to maintain that approach.”
On the 4th, two members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions were arrested for assaulting police officers during a rally calling for President Yoon's resignation near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul. They were released after one day. Acting commissioner Lee stated, “We plan to respond strictly to illegal activities.” He added, “A police officer was injured and required stitches after being struck by a radio thrown by a suspect,” and emphasized, “No one should get hurt in such situations. We will ensure careful management and focus on safety during gatherings.”