Park Jong-jun, the Minister of the Presidential Security Service, noted on the 10th regarding the high-ranking public officials crime investigation agency preparing the second execution of an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol, "I believe that an investigation process suitable for the status of an incumbent president should proceed," and said, "Under no circumstances should there be any physical clashes or bloodshed."
Minister Park made these comments while appearing as a suspect at the Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters in Migun-dong, Seodaemun District, Seoul, around 10:05 a.m. He has been placed under investigation for obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant against President Yoon (special obstruction of official duties). He has also been accused of insurrection.
Minister Park told reporters, "I think the procedure for executing the arrest warrant, as it stands regarding President Yoon, is not appropriate," adding, "I hope that a proper investigation process is conducted that matches our country’s national stature."
Concerns are arising that a physical clash may occur between the Presidential Security Service and police should the high-ranking public officials crime investigation agency and police attempt to execute the arrest warrant against President Yoon at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul.
In this regard, Minister Park stated, "I understand that many citizens are very worried about the current situation where government agencies are clashing and confronting each other." He added, "I think that under no circumstances should there be any physical clashes or bloodshed. To prevent such incidents, I have called Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and Minister of Strategy and Finance several times to suggest mediation among government agencies, and I also requested the president's legal team for a third alternative," and said, "However, I did not receive an appropriate response."
Earlier, the high-ranking public officials crime investigation agency began executing the arrest warrant for President Yoon on the 3rd but halted it after about 5 hours and 30 minutes, stating it was "virtually impossible." Afterward, on the 4th, the police ordered Minister Park to appear for questioning, but he did not attend, saying, "I cannot leave my post due to security duties." He also did not respond to the second request for appearance on the 7th for the same reason. Consequently, the police sent a third request for him to appear by 10 a.m. that day.
Regarding his noncompliance with the two requests for appearance, Minister Park said, "I had decided from the beginning to respond to the police summons, but the preparation of my legal team was somewhat delayed," and went on to say, "If I, as the one who is close to the police, refuse the police summons and do not undergo the investigation, who among the public would be subjected to police investigation?"
Minister Park stated that regarding the charge of special obstruction of official duties, "I will clarify the specific details during the investigation process." When asked, "Why are you obstructing the legally issued arrest warrant for President Yoon?" he replied, "There are legal disputes regarding that." To the question from a reporter, "Where is the president?" Minister Park did not respond.
Meanwhile, Yoon Gap-geun, a lawyer from President Yoon's legal team, said on the same day, "Minister Park Jong-jun is appearing at the police for questioning," and added, "Since the minister will be out of his security area, the deputy minister will act in his role until the minister completes the questioning and returns."