Presidential Security Service staff monitor reporters using surveillance equipment at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Ryoo Gi-chan
A message allegedly sent by a staff member of the Presidential Security Service (PSS) was revealed on a radio program as another attempt at detaining President Yoon Suk Yeol draws near.
MBC Radio’s "Kim Jong-bae’s Focus" on Friday shared the message from a source who said they know a PSS employee. Host and commentator Kim Jong-bae said, “I received a message from someone whose identity cannot be disclosed, saying his acquaintance, a PSS employee, expressed their distress over the current situation.”
The message, from a PSS staff member referred to as "A," began with, “I’m currently on duty. It’s cold, and I feel anxious.” A continued, “The special police forces might come, and I hope they handle this properly.”
The message described the atmosphere among the staff, saying, “Most of us are here reluctantly, following orders. We’re just standing by because we can’t simply open the doors. Only the leadership and the (former Defense Minister) Kim Yong-hyun and (first lady) Kim Keon Hee faction remain intact, while regular staff are deeply unsettled.”
The message also conveyed frustrations about the leadership. “The leadership seems desperate because they know they’ll fall if everything collapses," it said. "Given the nature of the PSS, most staff members are reluctantly enduring, fearing they’ll be branded as cowards if they don’t cooperate.”
A concluded by expressing hope for a resolution.
“I just want this situation to end soon. The pride and honor we had in the PSS have been destroyed over the past two years. Once this is over, I hope the root causes are eradicated, and the PSS can be rebuilt.”
A message from a Presidential Security Service staff member revealed on MBC Radio’s "Kim Jong-bae’s Focus," Friday. Captured from the program's YouTube channel
Kim Jong-bae noted the significant emotional and professional toll on PSS staff. “These employees are not at fault, yet they suffer not only mentally but also face risks of prosecution if they are forced to obstruct the arrest warrant and are charged with obstructing official duties. This could cost them their honor, pensions, and jobs,” he said.
Reports indicate that morale within the PSS is declining. On a CBS radio program the previous day, Rep. Youn Kun-young of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea said, “There’s a complete disconnect between the upper leadership and the younger security officers. Many of the younger staff are visibly frustrated by the actions of certain senior officials.”
He added, “In private, some even say things like, ‘Are those people insane?’ reflecting the growing discontent internally.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
