Security Office, Executive Standby Transfer... "Confidential Leak Causes Presidential Security Risk"

Kim Sung-hoon, Deputy Director of the Presidential Security Service. Photo by Yonhap News

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The Presidential Security Service stated on the 13th that the reason for placing a department head-level executive on standby was not due to demands for the resignation of Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon or insubordination, but because he is suspected of leaking confidential information to the police.

In a press release that day, the Security Service said, "It was confirmed that the individual met with two officials from the National Investigation Headquarters (NIH) at a hotel on January ○○ and provided internal information such as the locations of key military facilities," adding, "He is also suspected of leaking confidential information through various other external channels."

They further explained, "The individual has been subject to personnel measures to take subsequent actions including legal measures related to violations of the National Public Service Act, the Military Bases and Military Facilities Protection Act, the Military Secrets Protection Act, the Act on the Protection of the President, and Security Work Regulations."

The Security Service emphasized, "Additionally, legal action will be taken against the NIH officials who conspired with the individual to exchange confidential information and violated various laws, causing critical risks to the Presidential Security and Safety Measures, and they will be held accountable."

Earlier, some media outlets reported that during a Security Service meeting the previous day, a department head-level executive officially demanded Deputy Chief Kim’s resignation, and in response, Kim placed that executive on standby.

Deputy Chief Kim is classified as a prominent hardliner within the Security Service. There were also allegations that President Yoon Seok-yeol recently instructed Kim during a luncheon to consider the use of force in preparation for the execution of arrest warrants by investigative agencies.

However, the Security Service clarified, "No disadvantages or personnel actions were taken regarding remarks made during the free expression of opinions among attendees at the key executive meeting."

Meanwhile, Yoon Geon-young, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, claimed at a National Assembly press conference that during a luncheon the previous day with President Yoon, Deputy Chief Kim, Security Headquarters Chief Lee Gwang-woo, and four others, the president instructed, "Even if you cannot use guns against police officers approaching to arrest me, carry knives and stop them at all costs."

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