President Lee Jae-myung has placed the top leadership of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) on administrative leave for their role in obstructing the execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk-yeol during the aftermath of the Dec. 3 martial law declaration, the presidential office said on June 9.
At a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the PSS had interfered with a lawful court order by blocking investigators from carrying out a search and seizure operation. The incident, which took place earlier this year, has drawn scrutiny over the agency’s conduct.
“During the events of Dec. 3, the PSS disrupted the enforcement of a legally issued arrest warrant and related investigative procedures, contributing to public confusion and institutional conflict,” Kang said. She added that some senior officials also took retaliatory measures against staff who cooperated with the investigation.
The decision affects five senior officials, who will be placed on leave pending further review. The agency will shift to an acting leadership structure in the interim.
Kang described the personnel action as part of the new administration’s efforts to “restore institutional integrity” and transition toward what President Lee has called an “open and minimal” security model.
In a separate statement, the PSS acknowledged the public criticism and pledged to implement reforms. “This marks the beginning of a necessary process to restore trust in the Presidential Security Service,” the agency said. “We sincerely apologize and will move forward with deep reflection and internal reform.”
