Did South Korea's Police Just Seize Ex-President Yoon's Phones Over Martial Law Attempts?
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Synopsis
In a shocking turn of events, South Korean Police have seized former President Yoon Suk Yeol's phones along with PSS records for the first time since his controversial martial law bid. As investigations unfold, questions arise about the implications of these actions on Yoon's political future.
Key Takeaways
- S.Korean Police have seized ex-President Yoon's phones.
- This act is linked to Yoon's failed martial law attempt.
- Investigations are exploring potential obstruction of justice.
- Former PSS chief and deputy are also implicated.
- Political implications are significant as elections approach.
Seoul, May 23 (NationPress) South Korean Police announced on Friday that they have confiscated the cellphones of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, along with the phone server records from the Presidential Security Service (PSS). This marks the first time such actions have been taken since Yoon's brief attempt to impose martial law in December.
The police's special investigation unit revealed that they seized a secure phone and a work phone utilized by Yoon, in addition to obtaining records from a server managed by the PSS. This is part of an investigation into allegations that Yoon, former PSS chief Park Chong-jun, and PSS Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon obstructed investigators from carrying out a detention warrant against Yoon in January.
Previously, the police and the PSS carried out a three-week joint forensic examination of the server, successfully restoring the majority of its records. According to reports from Yonhap news agency, the PSS voluntarily submitted these materials to the police.
The server is said to contain call records and text messages exchanged between Yoon and PSS Deputy Chief Kim, along with other PSS officials.
On May 21, South Korea's Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung criticized former President Yoon for attending a screening of a documentary film that alleged election fraud.
Yoon, who was removed from office due to his failed martial law attempt and is currently facing criminal charges related to insurrection, has asserted that claims of election fraud were among the reasons he enacted the martial law decree.
Having departed from the conservative People Power Party (PPP) the previous week, Yoon made his first public appearance since his ouster on April 4, aside from his attendance at the insurrection trial, with the presidential election just under two weeks away.
"Did he not win his own election through that system?" Lee questioned reporters at a campaign rally in Incheon, challenging the rationale behind Yoon's claims of election fraud.
"If he alleges the system was flawed, what does that imply about his own victory?" Lee further commented.
Point of View
The ongoing investigation surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol highlights the complexities of South Korean politics. The police's actions indicate a serious inquiry into potential misconduct during a tumultuous period in the nation's governance. As we follow these developments, it is crucial to ensure transparency and uphold the rule of law.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the police seize Yoon Suk Yeol's phones?
The police seized Yoon's phones as part of an investigation into allegations that he and others obstructed justice regarding a detention warrant.
What are the implications of the seizure?
The seizure raises significant questions about Yoon's political future and the integrity of South Korea's electoral processes.
What is the role of the Presidential Security Service in this case?
The PSS is involved as it manages the security of the president and is now under scrutiny for its actions related to Yoon's martial law attempt.
