Prosecutors' Office Notifies Yoon's Side to Appear at 2 PM... Expresses "Deep Regret" Over Statement Denying Rule of Law (Comprehensive)

by Lim Chulyoung

Published 19 Jan.2025 10:54(KST)

Updated 19 Jan.2025 11:11(KST)

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Investigation Team Considering Request for Personal Protection

The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit announced plans to proceed with an investigation of President Yoon Seok-yeol immediately following his detention.

Yonhap News

On the morning of the 19th, the unit held a briefing for the press corps, stating, "The suspect's side has been notified to appear at 2 PM," and added, "We deeply regret that President Yoon's side has replaced efforts to resolve the matter within the judicial system with a statement denying the rule of law."

They further stated, "If the issuance of the warrant is unacceptable, the proper appeal or relief procedures established by the judicial system should be followed."

Regarding measures if President Yoon continues to refuse the investigation, the unit expressed a cautious stance. A representative said about the possibility of forced detention, "Forced detention is not stipulated in the law and is only recognized in case law, so it needs to be reviewed," adding, "It is difficult to comment on whether any action will be taken at this time."

Meanwhile, the unit also mentioned that a request for personal protection for the investigation team is an issue that needs to be considered. The unit plans to respond strongly to the damage caused to their vehicle by protesters during President Yoon's detention hearing the previous day.

A representative of the unit said, "Around 7:50 PM yesterday at Gongdeok Intersection, protesters surrounded the vehicle, shaking it from side to side, breaking the windows, and slashing the tires," and added that they will consider a request for personal protection for the investigation team.

On the other hand, President Yoon's legal team issued a statement that morning, saying, "The rule of law is dead and legal conscience has disappeared," and protested, "A bogus arrest warrant was issued to such an extent that it is difficult even to say that we respect the judiciary's judgment."