Loud and clear: A man waving a large flag before a rally against Yoon in Seoul. — AFP
Thousands of South Koreans gathered for rival demonstrations in the capital, as investigators prepare another attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk-yeol over his short-lived martial law decree.
Yoon resisted arrest in a standoff between his guards and investigators last week after his failed Dec 3 power grab plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades.
Protesters both for and against Yoon were scheduled to gather in sub-zero conditions along major roads in the centre of Seoul yesterday – either demanding his arrest or calling for his impeachment to be declared invalid.
The country has bristled with tension for weeks after Yoon directed soldiers to storm parliament, where they unsuccessfully tried to prevent lawmakers from voting down martial law. Since being impeached, Yoon has battened down the hatches.
“Despite our efforts, he continues to evade accountability, and both the police and the CIO (Corruption Investigation Office) have really failed to act decisively,” said anti-Yoon protester and student Kim Min-ji, 25.
“It is crucial for us to raise our voices until he is removed from office.”
Yoon supporter Su Yo-hahn, 71, said the sitting president’s martial law declaration which he alleged was to root out anti-state forces had “valid reasons”.
“He is someone who was elected by the people and represents our country. Saving Yoon is the way to save our nation,” said Su.
Yoon’s supporters rallied outside his residence before major demonstrations on both sides were held in central Seoul.
The pro-Yoon side waved South Korean flags while rainbow headbands were seen on the side advocating his removal.
If the warrant is executed, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.
His presidential security chief Park Chong-jun resigned on Friday as he faced questioning over why his guards blocked Yoon’s arrest.
The presidential security service guards including military troops shielded Yoon from investigators in a six-hour standoff.
Park was again being questioned yesterday while acting PSS chief Kim Seong-hun refused to turn up to a third summons, opening him up to possible arrest.
Kim, who is considered to be more of a hardliner than his predecessor Park, is expected to lead efforts to prevent the execution of the second arrest warrant, if he avoids being arrested.
Lee Jin-ha, the PSS head of security and safety, also appeared for police questioning yesterday.
The CIO said it will “prepare thoroughly” for its second attempt to arrest Yoon and warned that anyone obstructing them could be detained.
The National Office of Investigation, a police unit, sent a note to high-ranking police officials in Seoul requesting they prepare to mobilise 1,000 investigators for the fresh attempt, Yonhap news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Yoon’s guards have reinforced his Seoul compound with barbed wire installations and bus barricades.
Separate from the insurrection probe, Yoon also faces ongoing impeachment proceedings. Lawmakers have already suspended him, but the Constitutional Court will decide whether to uphold this decision or restore him to office. — AFP
