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South Korea's Security Chief Resigns Amid Yoon Suk-yeol Arrest Obstruction Allegations

Jan 10, 2025, 08:13 AM

South Korea's presidential security chief, Park Chong-jun, has resigned amid allegations of obstructing the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. Park submitted his resignation to Acting President Choi Sang-mok before appearing for police questioning. The resignation was accepted shortly thereafter. Park is accused of leading efforts to block the execution of an arrest warrant for Yoon, who has been impeached and is under investigation for alleged insurrection and abuse of power following a brief declaration of martial law on December 3. Park defended his actions, stating that the arrest procedures should align with the dignity of the presidential office and emphasized avoiding any bloodshed. Investigators are preparing for a second attempt to detain Yoon after the initial effort was thwarted by Park's security team during a January 3 standoff. The case has intensified South Korea's political crisis, with rival protests, barbed wire installations, and heightened security measures at Yoon's residence. A recent Gallup survey showed rising support for Yoon's party despite the ongoing crisis.