South Korea: Two Leaders from Presidential Security Service Interrogated for Allegedly Blocking Yoon's Arrest
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Two senior officials from South Korea's Presidential Security Service faced police questioning for allegedly obstructing the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The officials, known for their loyalty to Yoon, were involved in efforts to block investigators looking to detain him over a previous martial law imposition.
Key Takeaways
- Two PSS officials interrogated for blocking Yoon's arrest.
- Allegations involve obstructing anti-corruption investigations.
- Kim Seong-hoon assumed acting chief role recently.
- Lee Kwang-woo was detained after ignoring summons.
- National Assembly passed a bill for a special counsel probe.
Seoul, Jan 18 (NationPress) Two high-ranking officials from the South Korean Presidential Security Service (PSS) were summoned for police interrogation on Saturday regarding allegations that they attempted to obstruct investigators from arresting President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Kim Seong-hoon, the acting chief of the PSS, and Lee Kwang-woo, who heads the agency's bodyguard division, arrived at the National Office of Investigation's headquarters in Seoul at 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m., respectively.
Both individuals, known for their loyalty to Yoon, are accused of hindering the anti-corruption agency's efforts to execute a warrant for Yoon's arrest issued on January 3 in connection with his brief imposition of martial law.
Kim took on the role of acting chief last week following the resignation of former chief Park Chong-jun.
Upon arrival at the headquarters, Lee was immediately detained after disregarding three prior summons.
Kim, who had been questioned the day before, was also taken into custody and spent the night at Seoul Namdaemun Police Station. He entered the interrogation room in handcuffs, refusing to respond to reporters' inquiries.
Kim's lawyer, Bae Ui-cheol, defended his client's conduct by stating, "He merely adhered to the guidelines for presidential bodyguards. The investigators should have presented the arrest warrant outside the presidential residence. The actions of the PSS were appropriate, as the warrant was issued following an unlawful intrusion."
Lee briefly addressed reporters, asserting his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and emphasizing that his actions were part of "legitimate security duties." He did not answer any additional questions.
Earlier, the South Korean National Assembly passed a revised bill introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) to initiate a special counsel investigation into impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding his failed martial law attempt.
The revised bill received approval with a vote of 188-86 during a parliamentary plenary session on Friday, with the ruling People Power Party (PPP) members voting in opposition. The opposition bloc holds a majority in the 300-member parliament with 192 seats.
