Thousands of protesters gathered outside President Yoon Suk Yeol’s residence on Friday, defying a planned detention attempt and blocking efforts to question him about his martial law declaration last month. The move is part of the ongoing protests that have paralyzed the country since Mr. Yoon’s startling announcement in December.
The protests are largely divided along party lines, with pro-Yoon supporters vowing to protect their leader from arrest and anti-Yoon protesters calling for his removal from office. Tensions rose as the two groups clashed, but police maintained order without intervening.
The protesters camped out on a road outside Mr. Yoon’s residence, chanting “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol!” as they prepared for a night of demonstrations. The group’s leader, Lee Ye-seul, 19, said she would continue to speak out until Mr. Yoon was removed and those involved in the insurrection were held accountable.
The protests have been fueled by conspiracy theories surrounding last year’s election, which saw Mr. Yoon’s ruling party lose its majority in the National Assembly. Pro-Yoon supporters claim that there was voter fraud, a sentiment also echoed by former US President Donald Trump.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/world/asia/south-korea-protest-scene.html