Park Jong-jun, the Chief of the Presidential Security Service who obstructs the execution of the arrest warrant by the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Unit against President Yoon Suk-yeol, is appearing at the National Investigation Headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of Oct. 10. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency
Park Jong-jun, the Chief of the Presidential Security Service who obstructs the execution of the arrest warrant by the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Unit against President Yoon Suk-yeol, is appearing at the National Investigation Headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the morning of Oct. 10. /Courtesy of Yonhap News Agency

Minister Park Jong-jun noted on the 10th regarding the High-ranking Officials Criminal Investigation Agency (CPIA) preparing for its second execution of an arrest warrant against President Yoon Suk-yeol, "I believe that an investigation procedure appropriate for the current president's position should be carried out," adding, "There should be no physical clashes or bloodshed under any circumstances."

Minister Park made this statement while appearing as a suspect at the National Investigation Headquarters of the Korean National Police Agency in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, around 10:05 a.m. He has been charged with obstructing the execution of the CPIA's arrest warrant against President Yoon and has also been reported for insurrection-related allegations.

Minister Park told reporters, "I don’t believe that the current execution method of the arrest warrant related to President Yoon is appropriate," adding, "I hope a proper investigation procedure fitting for our nation's dignity is carried out."

Concerns are rising that a physical clash could occur between the Presidential Security Service and the police if the CPIA and police attempt to execute the arrest warrant against President Yoon at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

In this regard, Minister Park said, "I understand that many citizens are very concerned about the current situation where government agencies are colliding and confronting each other." He continued, "I believe that there should be no physical clash or bloodshed under any circumstances. To prevent such situations, I have repeatedly called the Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Strategy and Finance, to suggest mediation between government agencies, and I have also requested a third alternative from the president's legal team," adding, "However, I did not receive a suitable response to that."

Earlier, the CPIA attempted to execute the arrest warrant against President Yoon on the 3rd but stopped after 5 hours and 30 minutes, stating that it was "virtually impossible." Following this, the police asked Minister Park to appear for questioning on the 4th, but he did not attend, stating, "I cannot leave my post due to security duties." Minister Park also did not respond to a second appearance request on the 7th for the same reason. Subsequently, the police issued a third appearance request for him to appear by 10 a.m. that day.

Regarding his failure to comply with the two appearance requests, Minister Park stated, "I initially intended to comply with the police summons, but the preparation of the legal team was a bit delayed," adding, "If I, the police chief, refuse the summons and do not undergo investigation, who among the public would accept police investigations?"

Minister Park said he would clarify the specific details regarding the allegations of obstructing official duties, stating, "I will provide a detailed account during the investigation process." Responding to the question, "Why are you obstructing the execution of a legally issued arrest warrant for President Yoon?" he noted, "There are legal disagreements regarding that issue." Minister Park did not answer a journalist's question asking, "Where is the president?"

Meanwhile, Yoon Gap-geun, a lawyer from President Yoon's legal team, said on the same day, "Minister Park Jong-jun is appearing before the police for questioning," adding, "Since the Minister of Security is outside the security zone, the Deputy Minister will act in accordance with regulations until the Minister of Security completes the investigation and returns."