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Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol's release draws mixed reactions
March 9 (UPI) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol was released from detention, 27 hours after the court ruled his arrest warrant should be canceled. This comes 52 days since he voluntarily complied with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials regarding his detention Jan. 15. "We respect the decision of the district court and have instructed the special investigation unit to proceed with the cancellation of President Yoon's detention," the Supreme Prosecutors' Office said after Yoon was freed Saturday. The court pointed to procedural issues in the prosecution's case, specifically that the indictment was filed after the expiration of the detention period. It also criticized the CIO's claim of legal authority over the case. As Yoon emerged from Uiwang Detention Center in Seoul, he was met by supporters who had gathered daily to call for his release, waving South Korean and U.S. flags while chanting his name. Rather than immediately entering his vehicle, he acknowledged their support with waves, clenched fists and a deep bow. While his hair had grayed slightly, he appeared in good health and composed. A large crowd also gathered near his residence to welcome him, creating a scene reminiscent of a public figure's return to prominence. Reactions to his release were mixed. Some critics likened his demeanor to that of a triumphant general, while his supporters contrasted his resilience with that of Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who once left detention in a wheelchair just seven hours after being arrested. "There is much to learn even in detention," Yoon said, expressing gratitude for the efforts of correctional officers. He noted that he had spent time reading the Bible and reflecting on those who had been incarcerated before him. Reaffirming his commitment to his political principles, he signaled his intent to remain engaged in public affairs. Some commentators have interpreted Yoon's release as a significant moment in conservative politics. Conservative media figures have argued that his decision to comply with detention helped prevent potential clashes between law enforcement and his supporters, while others have framed it as a test of South Korea's legal and political institutions. Some observers have drawn parallels between Yoon's return and U.S. President Donald Trump's comeback after his 2020 election defeat. Supporters argue that his resolve is now stronger than when he first took office in May 2022. They also believe that alternative media has played a significant role in shaping public understanding of the political situation, with citizens becoming increasingly familiar with constitutional law and legal debates. Historical comparisons have also been made to South Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, and his push for direct presidential elections during the Korean War in 1952. Some argue that the current debate over constitutional amendments, including proposals for a parliamentary system, could have significant implications for national governance. Critics of the parliamentary system caution that it could shift political influence in ways that alter South Korea's current political balance. Within the ruling People Power Party, divisions have emerged over Yoon's return, with some factions favoring a shift toward a parliamentary system. Analysts suggest that under such a system, it would be difficult for a conservative leader like Yoon to ascend to power in the future. They also note that South Korea's current Sixth Republic framework, established in 1987, has enabled parliamentary dominance, potentially leading to conservative presidents being impeached or forced to resign. After the court's decision to cancel Yoon's detention, prosecutors debated whether to appeal. While Special Investigation Chief Park Se-hyun reportedly opposed dropping the case, the prosecution ultimately decided not to pursue an appeal, as legal experts suggested that a higher court would likely dismiss it. The CIO, which had justified its investigation by alleging that Yoon's case involved charges of abuse of power linked to treason, faced scrutiny from the district court, which ruled that there was insufficient evidence to support such claims. This has renewed discussions on the role of the CIO. Originally established under the Moon Jae-in administration to curtail prosecutorial power, the agency now faces criticism that it exceeded its authority in handling Yoon's case. Some analysts suggest that this controversy could lead to further debates over the CIO's future and its role in South Korea's legal system.
Korea Herald
06-03-2025
- Korea Herald
Joint probe to target areas vulnerable to drug-related crimes
Measures introduced to track online transactions of illegal drugs, enhance global cooperation in preventing drug-related crimes A joint governmental task force involving related state organizations will be operated to conduct joint crackdowns on areas prone to drug-related crimes for the first time in five years, said the Office for Government Policy Coordination, Thursday. Since establishing the special investigation unit targeting drug crimes in April 2023, South Korea saw a 16 percent decrease in the number of drug offenders in 2024. The special unit consists of governmental agencies such as the Korean National Police Agency, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the Korea Customs Service and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. According to the office, South Korea saw 23,022 drug offenders in 2024, a 16 percent decrease from the 27,611 offenders it saw in 2023 -- which was also recorded as the highest number in Korean history. Though offender numbers are decreasing, the Korean government noted that the proportion of drug offenders between their teenage years and those in their 30s exceeded 60 percent in 2024, calling for stricter, intense measures to be taken to decrease such numbers in the future. As a response measure, the government announced Thursday that a joint governmental task force will begin to conduct special on-site crackdowns in areas deemed to be 'vulnerable' to drug-related crimes twice a year from April 2025. Such vulnerable areas were defined as entertainment venues -- including bars and clubs -- as well as airports and ports. This is not the first time that the government has announced joint, governmental on-site crackdowns; similar crackdowns were conducted between October and December in 2020. However, a joint governmental crackdown has not taken place since then, with on-site crackdowns between 2021 and 2024 typically centered around the KNPA, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office or the Korea Customs Service. 'Crackdowns conducted on an investigative agency-level have their own limitations, as they can only focus on investigating the crimes and enforcing regulations,' an official from the KNPA told The Korea Herald. 'However, crackdowns at the inter-ministerial level involve various governmental agencies, which helps to cover not just the investigations (into drug-related crimes) but also prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, education and international cooperation.' To make on-site crackdowns more effective, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office added that it will introduce portable mobile forensic devices capable of immediate, on-site evidence collection and analysis to prevent the deletion or destruction of any digital evidence pointing toward illegal drug sales. Furthermore, the prosecution is also working to develop a urine validity test to prevent drug abusers from tampering with drug test results. The KNPA also plans to establish an investigative unit specifically tailored toward undercover investigations for drug crimes by the end of 2025, after consulting with relevant experts and considering international legislative examples. By the end of March, the KNPA also plans to operate an online investigation team, to focus on drug distribution networks that operate online and through encrypted text messaging platforms such as Telegram and social media. The prosecutors' office and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety also plans to introduce a real-time monitoring system powered by artificial intelligence to track illegal online drug transactions and advertisements. Additionally, prosecution plans to propose amendments to the Special Act on the Prevention of Illegal Drug Transactions, that will allow financial institutions to immediately freeze bank accounts suspected to be used for drug transactions upon law enforcement request. Centered around Korea Customs Service and the Korea Coast Guard, measures to strengthen border control and international cooperation to prevent drug smuggling into Korea from abroad were also presented. By December, the Korea Customs Service will develop an AI-based screening model to detect packages containing illegal drugs in both international mail and passenger luggage, to be deployed by 2026. Underwater drones will also be deployed by the Korea Coast Guard to inspect the hulls of ships and boats leaving from and arriving in Korean ports. Drug investigators from the prosecutors' office will also be dispatched to Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, three source countries responsible for drug inflows in Korea. Korean investigators plan to work with investigators in the three countries to enhance cooperation in cases related to drug crimes.
