"Yoon instructed, 'Since approval ratings are rising, just hold out until Lunar New Year' before arrest execution"

[Financial News] During the execution of an arrest warrant at the residence of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, testimony emerged in court that Yoon told Presidential Security Service (PSS) staff, "Since the approval ratings are rising, just hold out until Lunar New Year."
On the 18th, at the trial presided over by Baek Dae-hyun, Chief Judge of the Criminal Division, Seoul Central District Court, the special prosecutor team for insurrection and treason (led by Cho Eun-seok) disclosed the testimony record of former PSS Deputy Chief Kim, which contained these statements.
The record details a conversation Yoon Suk Yeol had with PSS staff during a meal ahead of the second execution of an arrest warrant by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police this January.
According to the special prosecutor, at the time, Yoon Suk Yeol said, "Because my approval ratings are gradually increasing, if you hold out well until Lunar New Year, everything will be resolved," and, "The arrest warrant is illegal, so even if PSS staff block its execution, they will not face criminal punishment." He also stated, "The arrest warrant was requested by the CIO, which has no investigative authority, and issued by the Seoul Western District Court, which lacks jurisdiction, so it is an illegal warrant and will later be dismissed," according to former Deputy Chief Kim's testimony.
When asked by the special prosecutor, "Did you hear Yoon instruct, 'If the CIO forces their way in, conduct a show of force so they feel overwhelmed'?" Kim replied, "I don't recall the exact phrase 'feel overwhelmed,' but he did express something to that effect."
Kim further stated, in response to whether he had heard Yoon instruct to fire warning shots if the CIO entered, "He suggested that warning shots might be necessary."
Regarding some media reports that Yoon had ordered warning shots if a helicopter arrived, Kim said, "I can't recall whether it was former PSS Deputy Chief Kim Sung-hoon or Yoon who said that," but added, "If a helicopter were to come, there are countermeasures in place. There are anti-aircraft weapons or other defensive measures."
Yoon Suk Yeol reportedly stated, "Compared to the PSS, the police are less skilled in shooting and handling firearms and lack expertise. If PSS staff, who are armed with heavy weapons, are seen carrying firearms while on duty at the residence, the police will be intimidated." There was also testimony that Yoon instructed the distribution of training videos featuring PSS staff to the media.
On the afternoon of the trial, Yoon Suk Yeol left the courtroom for health reasons. The special prosecutor focused on presenting video footage from the arrest execution to substantiate Yoon's orders.
[email protected] Jung Kyung-soo, Choi Eun-sol Reporter