S.Korea's anti-graft investigator vows to arrest impeached president as warrants extended
Anti-graft body chief extends 'sincere apology' for failing to arrest Yoon Suk Yeol, citing 'many unforeseen issues'

- Police summon Presidential Security Service head to appear for questioning for 3rd time over accusations that he obstructed investigators' efforts to detain Yoon
- Seoul Western District Court extends warrant to detain Yoon by Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials
ISTANBUL
South Korea's top anti-graft investigator Tuesday pledged to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in a "second attempt" after a court granted an extension to an arrest warrant.
The extension to detain Yoon, 63, was granted by the Seoul Western District Court to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials after the first warrant expired Monday.
Separately, Oh Dong-woon, the chief of the anti-graft body, extended a "sincere apology," saying his team was "inadequately prepared to execute the warrant" and there were "many unforeseen issues," according to the Seoul-based Yonhap News.
Last Friday, the CIO attempted to execute a court-issued warrant against Yoon -- facing treason and insurrection charges stemming from the botched martial law -- but withdrew after a five-hour standoff with presidential security.
However, during a session of the National Assembly's legislation and judiciary committee, Oh Dong-woon assured lawmakers that the anti-graft body would "prepare thoroughly" for the second warrant execution, with the understanding that it could be the "last opportunity," the media outlet added.
After presidential security blocked the execution of arrest warrants, the fresh warrant is set to be executed in collaboration between the anti-graft body and the police.
This was the first time that an arrest warrant had been issued for a sitting South Korean president. Yoon is also the first sitting president in the country’s history to face charges of insurrection and treason, along with a travel ban.
Yoon was impeached on Dec. 14 and is now awaiting a Constitutional Court trial to determine whether he will be permanently removed from office or reinstated following his failed Dec. 3 martial law attempt.
A ruling could take up to six months.
Police on Tuesday also summoned the head of the Presidential Security Service to appear for questioning for the third time over accusations that he had obstructed CIO-led investigators to detain Yoon.
Park Chong-jun, the presidential security chief, was booked on charges of “obstructing official duties” after presidential security personnel prevented the officials from executing a warrant to detain Yoon last Friday.
He has been summoned to appear for questioning on Friday after failing to respond to two previous calls on Saturday and Tuesday.
The presidential security said Park "will coordinate the date for questioning after appointing a lawyer today or tomorrow."
This is believed to be the final call before the police move to request a warrant for Park's detention.
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