Police Raid Presidential Office Amid Obstruction Allegations 🚨

In a dramatic turn of events, the police’s Special Investigation Unit for Emergency Martial Law attempted to raid the Presidential Office and the official residence in Hannam-dong today, April 16, 2025. The raid is connected to allegations that former President Yoon Suk-yeol obstructed the execution of official duties.

What Happened?

At approximately 10:13 AM, officers presented a search warrant to security personnel at both the Presidential Office and the Hannam-dong residence. However, the Presidential Security Service (경호처, Gyeonghocheo – responsible for presidential security) has been blocking the execution of the warrant, leading to a tense standoff that has now lasted for five hours.

Why the Resistance?

The exact reasons for the Security Service’s obstruction are not yet clear. Under South Korean law, searches of locations involving military or official secrets require the approval of the person in charge. However, that person must comply with the search unless it would significantly harm national interests.

What Are They Searching For?

The police are targeting the Security Service’s encrypted phone server (비화폰 서버, bihwa-pon seobeo – secure communication server), offices within the residence, and the head of the Security Service’s official residence. They aim to secure evidence that Yoon and others attempted to obstruct the High-ranking Officials Crime Investigation Agency (공수처, Gongsoocheo) and the police’s special investigation unit during their initial attempt to apprehend him on January 3rd.

Previous Attempts

This isn’t the first attempt to secure this evidence. Police have tried to raid the premises five times previously, but have been blocked by the Deputy Director of the Security Service, Kim Sung-hoon.

The situation remains ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Stay tuned! 📰