Police Chief Cancels Press Conference Due to Legal Status

The Chief of the National Police Agency, 조지호 (Jo Ji-ho), has announced the cancellation of a scheduled press conference set for December 9, citing his status as a defendant in a treason case as inappropriate for public engagement. The police agency confirmed on December 8 that the press briefing, which was to be held at 10 AM, would not take place. A police official stated, 'It is inappropriate for Chief Jo to appear in person given his status as a defendant.'

Internally, there were discussions suggesting that Chief Jo should address the situation directly; however, his team maintained that it was not suitable for him to do so under the current circumstances. Instead of Chief Jo's briefing, 우종수 (Woo Jong-soo), the head of the National Investigation Headquarters, will hold a press conference to update the media on the ongoing investigation into the state of emergency.

The National Investigation Headquarters has formed a special investigation team of over 150 members to conduct thorough inquiries. On the morning of December 8, they executed search warrants at the offices, residences, and official residences of former Defense Minister 김용현 (Kim Yong-hyun). Additionally, they are analyzing call records from the mobile phones of both Chief Jo and 서울경찰청장 (Seoul Police Chief) 김봉식 (Kim Bong-sik).