The former head of South Korea’s Presidential Security Service (PSS), Park Chong-jun, faces a third round of police questioning over allegations of obstructing the detainment of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. This high-profile case unfolds amid Yoon’s impeachment trial and political turmoil following his failed martial law bid.
South Korea’s former Presidential Security Service (PSS) chief, Park Chong-jun, was interrogated for the third time on Monday regarding accusations of obstructing efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. The investigation revolves around Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration in December 2024, which led to his impeachment.
Park, who resigned last Friday, has been charged with hindering the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) from executing a warrant to arrest Yoon. Speaking to reporters, Park pledged full cooperation with the probe.
Adding to the tensions, Lee Kwang-woo, a senior PSS official and known Yoon loyalist, has repeatedly defied police summons. Authorities are now preparing to request an arrest warrant for Lee, citing flight risks.
Yoon’s Impeachment and Security Concerns
The Constitutional Court began oral arguments for Yoon’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, scheduling five hearings until February 4. However, Yoon did not attend the initial hearing, citing safety concerns due to alleged attempts to unlawfully enforce his detainment.
Defense attorney Yun Gap-geun emphasized that Yoon would participate in the trial once his personal safety is assured.
Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration on December 3, 2024, has plunged South Korea into political turmoil. His impeachment on December 14, 2024, and subsequent legal battles have left the nation grappling with uncertainty.
Stay updated on this developing story as South Korea navigates a pivotal political crisis.