Amid the attempted execution of an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk-yeol last January, evidence has emerged suggesting that Yoon’s presidential office sought to use his supporters as human shields to block the arrest.
A YouTuber who received such requests from the presidential office has disclosed related text messages and recorded phone calls.
The YouTuber in question is currently under police investigation for allegedly inciting rioters during the violent incident at the Seoul Western District Court. By making this disclosure, he is demanding to be recognized as a whistleblower and exempted from legal responsibility.
Reporter Gong Tae-hyun has more.
The audio recording was released by YouTuber Shin Hye-sik. He says it is of a phone call with Sung Sam-young, then an administrative officer at the presidential office, made on January 14th, the day before the attempted arrest of former President Yoon.
Shin Hye-sik / Head of the “Shinui Hansu” YouTube Channel – Sung Sam-young / Then Administrative Officer (Jan. 14, 2025)
“I don’t even know when they’re coming, but you’re telling me to keep coming and going. What kind of operation is this? Or are you trying to provoke me? Are you treating me like some thug?”
“No, not at all. I’m very sorry. That’s not the case.”
The conversation suggests the presidential office intended to use Yoon’s supporters as a shield to obstruct the arrest.
Such contact was made multiple times.
On the night of January 3rd—after the first attempt to execute the arrest warrant failed—Sung sent Shin a text message with a map of the area near Yoon’s official residence.
He wrote: “There’s a children’s playground at the marked location. That’s where we need to be ready. If you cross the barbed wire at Maebongsan, you reach the residence immediately,” and added, “We need to rally the supporters.”
Even when there was no apparent threat, Sung invoked the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), claiming there was intelligence that they would “storm the residence,” and asked Shin to “check with the head of residence security on where to station right-wing citizens.”
Shin also said Sung texted him on January 17th suggesting they have lunch, but he did not respond.
Sung resigned after it was revealed that on January 20th—the day after the Seoul Western District Court riot—he posted in a pro-Yoon online café urging people to cheer Yoon on his way to a Constitutional Court appearance.
Shin has filed a report with the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission, seeking whistleblower protection and immunity from prosecution.
He claims the presidential office tried to mobilize the pro-Yoon base like a military unit, and when he refused, they formed a “National Defense Lawyers’ Group” to incite supporters. He further alleges that some members of the People Power Party encouraged the riot.
Shin, a close aide to Pastor Jun Kwang-hoon—who had led efforts to block Yoon’s arrest—now appears to be turning on Yoon’s presidential office as police close in on him, suggesting a rift between Yoon’s faction and Jun’s camp.
Depending on the Civil Rights Commission’s decision, the case could be handed over to the special counsel investigating the insurrection, potentially broadening the probe.
Sung did not respond to MBC’s request for comment.
MBC News, Gong Tae-hyun.
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