The joint investigative team handling the martial law probe has been in a five-hour standoff with the Presidential Security Service(PSS) as it attempts to seize materials from the presidential office.

On Tuesday the team, whose members represent the police agency, the defense ministry’s investigation unit, and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, was attempting to seize materials from the PSS, which is located inside the top office building. 

Investigators are seeking records of a secure phone belonging to Police Commissioner General Cho Ji-ho, who used it to speak with President Yoon Suk Yeol six times on the day the president declared martial law. 

The PSS server is said to have records for the secure phones that the agency provides and manages. 

The joint team sought to raid the top office and the Joint Chiefs of Staff last Wednesday, but the PSS refused entry, citing official and military secrets.