Tensions escalate in South Korea as rival camps protest outside the presidential residence and along major roads in Seoul. The protests come a day after authorities failed to execute an arrest warrant on impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, who declared martial law last month.
The acting president, Choi Sang-mok, was asked by investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for High-Ranking Officials to order the presidential security service to comply with the arrest warrant. However, the security service and soldiers prevented prosecutors from arresting Yoon in a six-hour standoff on Friday.
The showdown left the warrant in limbo, set to expire on Monday. Yoon faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in prison or even the death penalty. His lawyers have denounced the attempt as “unlawful and invalid” and vowed to take legal action.
The protests have been peaceful so far, but a growing sense of frustration among Yoon’s opponents is evident. Supporters of the impeached president argue that his arrest would undermine South Korea’s security alliance with the US and Japan.
As the situation continues, investigators may make another bid to arrest Yoon before Monday’s deadline. The Constitutional Court has slated January 14 for the start of Yoon’s impeachment trial, which will take place in his absence if he does not attend.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/4/rival-camps-protest-in-south-korea-as-authorities-press-for-yoons-arrest