Rival parties show mixed reactions to Yoon’s arrest

As widely expected the response at the parliament to the president's arrest stands bitterly divided between the ruling and opposition parties.

Our National Assembly Correspondent Shin Ha-young reports.

After President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednesday morning, the rival political parties urgently convened meetings.

The ruling People Power Party criticized the investigators for executing a so-called "unlawful arrest warrant," adding that the party would hold the CIO accountable for this.

"The CIO and police executed an unlawful warrant, with a complicit judiciary. The opposition party pressured both the CIO and the NOI. History will inevitably record this."

Floor leader Kweon Seong-dong stated that it was embarrassing for the public and damaged the country's dignity.

Regarding the citizen who was injured during the CIO's execution of the warrant, Kweon said the party would hold both the CIO and the National Office of Investigation responsible.

After the meeting, the party told reporters that it is considering filing a complaint against the CIO for abuse of power, as well as possibly making a protest visit to the agency.

However, the main opposition Democratic Party welcomed the arrest, saying that this marked the first step to restoring the constitutional order and democracy, and upholding the rule of law.

"Though delayed, it's reassuring to see that justice and public authority are still alive in South Korea."

DP Floor Leader Park Chan-dae urged the CIO to fully investigate Yoon on insurrection charges.

The DP also pressured the PPP to address a bill for a special investigation into President Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said in a written statement on Wednesday that with President Yoon's arrest, efforts should now be focused on stabilizing current state affairs and improving the people's livelihoods.

He added that the Assembly would work toward the swift establishment of a joint consultative body between the rival parties and the government.

Woo also expressed his commitment to advancing a bill for a special investigation into President Yoon's brief imposition of martial law.

Shin Ha-young, Arirang News.