Deputy Chief Kim Seong-hoon Appears Before Police Amid Controversy

On the morning of January 17, 2025, Kim Seong-hoon, the Deputy Chief of the Presidential Security Service, arrived at the National Police Agency's Special Investigation Unit in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, as a suspect in a case of obstructing the execution of public duties. He stated, "I was performing legitimate security duties for the absolute safety of the President," and criticized claims that his actions represented a private army as inappropriate. The police confirmed that a warrant for his arrest was executed at 10:23 AM.

When asked what aspects he would clarify during his appearance, Kim replied, "I have nothing to say as I have not fulfilled my duties." Regarding the obstruction of the warrant execution, he maintained, "I was carrying out a legitimate security mission." He denied any internal division within the security service during the second warrant execution.

In response to allegations from opposition parties that staff were mobilized for the President's birthday, he remarked, "Isn't it normal for people to celebrate each other’s birthdays?" When questioned if it was appropriate for the security service to engage in such activities, he countered, "Wouldn't you celebrate a colleague's birthday?"

On the suspicion of directing the use of weapons, he stated, "We are always equipped, but I did not carry any additional weapons." He also dismissed claims that certain staff members were excluded from their duties.

Kim explained that he had refrained from attending previous summons to correct what he described as illegal warrants issued by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, stating, "I decided to appear because it was clear that a violent situation could arise." He accused the commission and the National Police Agency of unilaterally damaging military facilities without prior notice or consultation, asserting that the public would discern right from wrong based on live broadcasts.

He also conveyed a message from President Yoon, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling their duties to protect a free Republic of Korea, even in harsh winter conditions.

Kim is under investigation for allegedly obstructing the execution of a warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol on January 3. He is accused of leading around 200 personnel from the security service and the Defense Security Command to form a human barrier to prevent the arrest team from entering. He was identified as the authority who instructed conscripted soldiers to wear hats and jackets without insignia.

The police had previously sent three summons requests, and after Kim's noncompliance, they planned to execute an arrest warrant on January 15. However, this was postponed at the request of President Yoon's office.

Kim is categorized as a hardliner within the security service, alongside Chief of Security Lee Kwang-woo, advocating for the use of force to prevent the execution of the arrest warrant against President Yoon. Lee is also expected to appear before the police on January 18.