Investigators arrive at a checkpoint near President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, on Wednesday. Yonhap

President Yoon Suk Yeol will comply with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials' (CIO) warrant by voluntarily appearing at its headquarters and plans to personally address the situation before departing, his lawyer said, Wednesday.

Yoon's legal representative, Seok Dong-hyun, said on social media that the president made this decision to prevent potential clashes between the Presidential Security Service (PSS) and the police.

"Recognizing that physical confrontations could lead to serious incidents, the president decided to appear despite knowing that the CIO's investigation and warrant are clearly unlawful," Seok wrote.

Seok said that Yoon's departure for the CIO headquarters in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, is contingent on the withdrawal of the CIO and police from his residence.

"Once the police and CIO vacate the premises, and security arrangements are complete, the president will depart. This process will take one to two hours, and he is expected to arrive at the CIO by late morning," he added.

Meanwhile, the CIO reaffirmed its stance, saying, "Voluntary surrender is not being considered. The goal remains to execute the arrest warrant."

Seok also mentioned that Yoon plans to deliver a statement in person before departing for the CIO.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.