Security Chief warns of bloodshed in Yoon’s arrest

South Korea's political crisis deepens as President Yoon Suk Yeol's security chief warns of potential bloodshed over efforts to arrest the impeached leader, while Acting President Choi Sang-mok faces growing challenges in navigating the crisis and stabilizing the economy.

South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s security chief, Park Chong-jun, warned that there should be no bloodshed during the crisis over Yoon’s impeachment. Speaking to the press on Friday, Park, who is under investigation for blocking officials during a standoff, criticized the attempts to arrest Yoon, stating, "I believe that under no circumstances should there be a physical confrontation or bloodshed, and in order to prevent such a situation, I have called Acting President Choi Sang-mok several times to suggest interagency mediation with the government, and I have also asked President Yoon Suk Yeol's legal team for a third alternative."

Yoon, suspended after attempting martial law and facing criminal charges, is staying at his residence with heavy security. Meanwhile, Acting President Choi Sang-mok is under increasing pressure to manage the political crisis, stabilize the weak economy, and restore trust with global allies.

Choi, criticized for blocking Yoon’s arrest, has shown more political flexibility than his predecessor, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was impeached for failing to approve Constitutional Court justices. With a 31% approval rating, Choi could stay in the acting role for up to six months while the Constitutional Court rules on Yoon’s impeachment.

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