South Korea’s presidential security chief resigns

The head of South Korea’s Presidential Security Service, Park Jong-joon, resigned on Friday after raising concerns over potential violence in the wake of the investigation into impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Park warned that any attempt to arrest Yoon, who declared martial law in December, could lead to “bloodshed” and clashes between security forces and investigators.

Park, who faced allegations of obstructing public duty, stepped down following questioning by police. His resignation was confirmed by the office of acting President Choi Sang-mok.

Speaking before the investigation, Park stressed the importance of avoiding physical confrontations. “I came here today with the belief that under no circumstances should there be any physical clashes or bloodshed, and am hoping to prevent such incidents from occurring,” Park said at the Joint Investigation Headquarters in Seoul.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) and police had attempted to execute an arrest warrant for Yoon last week, but were blocked by his security detail.

The anti-corruption agency called off the operation after a standoff, citing concerns for the safety of its personnel.

Yoon is under investigation for alleged insurrection and abuse of power following his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, which sparked the country’s most significant political crisis in decades. If arrested, he would become the first sitting president in South Korean history to be detained.

Park, who had previously ignored two summons to appear for questioning, also defended Yoon, claiming that the investigations against him were unfair and should be conducted with respect for the “dignity of the nation.”

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