Presidential security staff’s distress call revealed amid rising tensions

Presidential Safety Service workers monitor reporters utilizing surveillance gear on the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Occasions photograph by Ryoo Gi-chan

A message allegedly despatched by a workers member of the Presidential Safety Service (PSS) was revealed on a radio program as one other try at detaining President Yoon Suk Yeol attracts close to.

MBC Radio’s „Kim Jong-bae’s Focus“ on Friday shared the message from a supply who stated they know a PSS worker. Host and commentator Kim Jong-bae stated, “I obtained a message from somebody whose identification can’t be disclosed, saying his acquaintance, a PSS worker, expressed their misery over the present scenario.”

The message, from a PSS workers member known as „A,“ started with, “I’m presently on obligation. It’s chilly, and I really feel anxious.” A continued, “The particular police forces may come, and I hope they deal with this correctly.”

The message described the ambiance among the many workers, saying, “Most of us are right here reluctantly, following orders. We’re simply standing by as a result of we are able to’t merely open the doorways. Solely the management and the (former Protection Minister) Kim Yong-hyun and (first girl) Kim Keon Hee faction stay intact, whereas common workers are deeply unsettled.”

The message additionally conveyed frustrations in regards to the management. “The management appears determined as a result of they know they’ll fall if all the things collapses,“ it stated. „Given the character of the PSS, most workers members are reluctantly enduring, fearing they’ll be branded as cowards in the event that they don’t cooperate.”

A concluded by expressing hope for a decision.

“I simply need this example to finish quickly. The satisfaction and honor we had within the PSS have been destroyed over the previous two years. As soon as that is over, I hope the basis causes are eradicated, and the PSS might be rebuilt.”

A message from a Presidential Safety Service workers member revealed on MBC Radio’s „Kim Jong-bae’s Focus,“ Friday. Captured from this system’s YouTube channel

Kim Jong-bae famous the numerous emotional {and professional} toll on PSS workers. “These staff are usually not at fault, but they endure not solely mentally but in addition face dangers of prosecution if they’re pressured to hinder the arrest warrant and are charged with obstructing official duties. This might price them their honor, pensions, and jobs,” he stated.

Reviews point out that morale inside the PSS is declining. On a CBS radio program the day gone by, Rep. Youn Kun-young of the primary opposition Democratic Social gathering of Korea stated, “There’s a whole disconnect between the higher management and the youthful safety officers. Most of the youthful workers are visibly pissed off by the actions of sure senior officers.”

He added, “In personal, some even say issues like, ‘Are these individuals insane?’ reflecting the rising discontent internally.”

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