Seoul: A military unit guarding the presidential residence has approved the entry of police and anti-corruption agency officials to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials reported on Tuesday. This approval comes after the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) requested access to the residence to carry out their investigation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Capital Defense Command, responsible for securing the perimeter of the presidential residence, confirmed that it would allow investigators from the CIO, police, and the Ministry of Defense to access the premises. This move is seen as a crucial step for the officials to conduct their second attempt to detain Yoon, which is expected to occur early Wednesday.
However, the Presidential Security Service (PSS) quickly refuted the CIO's announcement, asserting that the military unit does not possess the authority to grant such access. The PSS emphasized that security measures will be implemented in accordance with due process, irrespective of the CIO's request.
The defense ministry also denied the approval of entry by the military unit, stressing that additional authorization from the PSS is necessary for investigators to enter the residence. The CIO acknowledged the need for PSS approval, noting that they received a follow-up notice on this requirement.
Despite this, the CIO maintained that the military unit's approval remains valid, although it requires secondary permission from the PSS to proceed.