Hundreds of supporters of South Korea’s impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered outside his residence on Wednesday, rallying in an effort to protect him as investigators prepared to execute a new arrest attempt.
Yoon has refused questioning and resisted arrest since his controversial December 3 martial law decree, which led to the country’s most severe political crisis in decades. Investigators secured a fresh arrest warrant on Tuesday after the initial seven-day order expired.
In response, several hundred of Yoon’s supporters braved sub-zero temperatures, rallying outside his home in central Seoul. Many camped overnight, undeterred by the cold, and showed their unwavering resolve.
“A large number of people are coming out to join us. Despite the cold, many stayed up all night,” said 57-year-old Yoon supporter Lee Hye-sook. “Seeing their resilience against the wind and cold, I am confident that President Yoon Suk Yeol will return, and we will prevail.”
Some supporters laid flowers and tied ribbons with the Trump-style slogan “Make Korea Great Again,” while others waved American flags in solidarity. You Se-ryung, a 46-year-old YouTuber present at the rally, called for US intervention, likening the situation to the political movement behind US President-elect Donald Trump.
Yoon’s legal team confirmed on Wednesday that he remains inside his residential compound after speculation about his whereabouts the previous day. “Last night, I personally visited the official residence, met with the president, and left,” said Yoon’s lawyer, Yoon Kap-keun.
The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), leading the probe into Yoon, has not disclosed the length of the second warrant it requested after the initial one expired. If detained, Yoon would become South Korea’s first sitting president to be arrested. Investigators have 48 hours from the arrest to seek another warrant to continue holding him.
On-site security remained intense, with barbed wire and locked gates surrounding Yoon’s compound. The CIO has pledged to “prepare thoroughly” for the second arrest attempt.
Yoon’s impeachment trial is scheduled to begin on January 14. His legal team stated that he intends to attend the trial, although concerns regarding security and safety need to be addressed first.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik criticized Yoon’s actions to avoid arrest, calling it distressing, especially as the world watches. “The president must no longer plunge the country into confusion and should engage in judicial procedures responsibly,” Woo wrote on social media.
Yoon’s supporters, including lawmakers from his People Power Party, gathered to denounce the arrest warrant. “This is a clear violation of the law,” said Yoon Sang-hyun, a party member.
The impeached president is facing charges of “insurrection,” and if convicted, could face prison or, in extreme cases, the death penalty. The Constitutional Court has up to 180 days from December 14 to rule on whether Yoon’s impeachment will stand or his presidential powers will be reinstated.
AFP
