Demonstrators loyal to suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to block his arrest on Thursday by staging a protest near his residence in Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported.
Around 30 supporters reportedly broke through a barrier near Yoon’s office, prompting police to disperse the crowd violently. Footage of the clash was broadcasted on South Korean television.
Yoon, who is under investigation for imposing martial law during a budget dispute with the opposition, addressed his supporters on New Year’s Day, warning of threats to South Korea’s sovereignty. “Due to internal and external forces infringing on its sovereignty and the activities by anti-state groups, South Korea is now in danger,” he said, vowing to “fight to the end to protect this country.”
The South Korean Corruption Investigation Office issued an arrest warrant for Yoon on Tuesday after he ignored three summonses for questioning. He faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power.
Yoon’s defense team described the warrant as “illegal” and applied for a temporary injunction. The warrant expires Monday, giving investigators 48 hours to decide whether to seek an extension or release him once he is detained.
South Korea remains in political turmoil following Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court’s ongoing deliberation on the legitimacy of the vote. Acting President Han Duck Soo was removed amid allegations of stalling the impeachment process, with former finance minister Choi Sang Mok stepping in as acting president since Friday.
If taken into custody, Yoon will be the first sitting South Korean president to face arrest, marking a historic moment in the nation’s political landscape.
