Rival parties show mixed reactions to Yoon's arrest

As widely expected, the responses at the National Assembly to the president's arrest are bitterly divided between the ruling and opposition parties.

Our 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 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.

The PPP filed a complaint with the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office against Oh Dong-woon, head of the CIO, and NOI chief Woo Jong-soo, for abuse of power, and unlawful arrest and detention.

Ahead of Yoon's arrest, some PPP lawmakers gathered outside the presidential residence, and it was later confirmed that a few met with President Yoon inside.

According to attendees, Yoon expressed doubts about continuing the remaining two-and-a-half years of his term, questioning its purpose under the current circumstances.

He noted that whether he stayed at the residence or in custody, his freedom of movement would still be restricted, and suggested that the latter might be the better option.

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 expressed relief on Wednesday that the arrest warrant was executed without clashes.

Woo said that with the president's arrest, efforts should now be focused on stabilizing current state affairs and improving the people's livelihoods.

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.