Live from Seoul Detention Center: CIO investigation into Pres. Yoon faces setbacks

President Yoon's appearance at the hearing today will mark his third trip out of Seoul Detention Center where he is currently detained.

We go live there with our Kim Jung-sil standing by.

Jung-sil, all eyes are again on the detention center ahead of his travel to the Constitutional Court later today.

How are things looking there this morning?

Dami, the atmosphere here at Seoul Detention Center is rather quiet this morning,

It's another day of back-and-forth as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, or the CIO, tries to bring President Yoon in for questioning.

As of yesterday, their third attempt failed.

It's unclear whether they'll make another attempt this morning, as the President has so far declined to comply.

This follows attempts to search the presidential residence and office for evidence, which were blocked by the Presidential Office.

Despite their efforts, the CIO has had little success in securing President Yoon's cooperation.

Take a listen to CIO chief Oh Dong-woon.

"I believe the presidential office also needs to respect the decisions of the judiciary. The CIO will thoroughly investigate anyone involved in the emergency martial law incidents, regardless of their position or rank."

With no success in their attempts to question Yoon or search the presidential office and residence, time is running out for the CIO.

That sounds like another setback for the investigation, which can be a real headache for investigators who are running short of time to question Yoon?

At this time, it's unclear whether they'll be able to make another attempt this morning, as the president has so far declined to comply.

I will let you know in our later broadcast if there are any updates.

By January 28th, the CIO must transfer the case to prosecutors, as they lack the power to press charges on insurrection.

The prosecutors are under pressure to move quickly, and there are reports that President Yoon may still face investigation during the Seollal holidays.

And walk us through the investigation into the recent unrest at the Seoul Western District Court.

Dami, there's been a significant update on that front.

Following the release of the arrest warrant for President Yoon at the weekend, protesters stormed into the Seoul Western District Court.

Police arrested 56 people, including several who assaulted police officers and others who trespassed or who damaged property. There were also incidents of individuals attempting to breach court security, assaulting a journalist crew, and one person climbing the court walls to gain access. This wave of arrests adds to the tension surrounding the ongoing investigation.

The authorities are taking swift action to prevent further disturbances.

That's all I have for this hour, but I will bring you more updates in our next broadcast.

Thanks for that update, Jung-sil. We'll check back in with you later as the story develops. Please stay safe out there.