Choi Sang-mok Issues Special Directive: "Western District Court Violence Undermines Rule of Law... Strict Investigation"

"An Illegal Violent Incident Unimaginable in a Democratic Society"
"Police Ordered to Hold Perpetrators Legally Accountable"

On the 19th, after President Yoon Suk-yeol was arrested on charges of being the leader of a rebellion, some supporters broke into the Seoul Western District Court and caused an illegal violent incident. On the morning of the 19th, the exterior walls and windows of the Western District Court were damaged. Photo by Yonhap News.

Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, gave a special order to the National Police Agency on the 19th to "investigate strictly" regarding the violent riot caused by supporters of President Yoon Seok-yeol at the Seoul Western District Court.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance, through a press release on the same day, conveyed Acting Minister Choi's special order, stating, "From yesterday until early this morning, an illegal violent incident, unimaginable in a democratic society, occurred at the Seoul Western District Court, and the government expresses strong regret over this."

Acting Minister Choi instructed, "The police must strictly investigate this incident, which directly undermines democracy and the rule of law, according to laws and principles, and hold those legally responsible accordingly."

He also ordered, "Strengthen security at related facilities and ensure thorough and safe management of assemblies so that order is strictly maintained during various protests."

Earlier that morning, after an arrest warrant was issued for President Yoon, some of his supporters stormed the Western District Court. The supporters broke windows of the court and damaged property.

Although police were guarding the main gate of the court, their numbers were insufficient. Some officers reportedly had their riot shields taken and were assaulted. Subsequently, the police deployed a large force to suppress the situation. This is an unprecedented event in constitutional history.

The National Police Agency held an emergency nationwide command meeting chaired by Acting Commissioner Lee Ho-young that morning and announced, "We plan to respond strictly by arresting and investigating all instigators and illegal actors."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.