South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) has requested cooperation from the defense ministry and the presidential security service ahead of a second attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The CIO announced on Monday that letters were sent to both institutions late Sunday, urging their support and warning of legal consequences for obstructing the execution of Yoon’s arrest warrants or the search of the presidential residence, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
In its communication to the defense ministry, the CIO emphasized that soldiers hindering the operation could face criminal charges or liability for damages in the event of harm to individuals or property during the process.
A separate letter to the presidential security service warned that security personnel obstructing the investigation could face penalties, including loss of public servant status, restrictions on future employment, and forfeiture of pension benefits.
The CIO also assured security service employees that they would not face disciplinary actions for refusing illegal orders to obstruct the execution of the arrest warrants, according to the Yonhap report.
The second attempt to detain Yoon follows his impeachment and ongoing legal proceedings. The CIO has called for full compliance from all parties to ensure the enforcement of the law.
