Thousands of South Koreans faced freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall in Seoul this weekend, rallying both for and against the arrest of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol. The high-stakes political drama has gripped the nation, with tensions escalating as a key arrest warrant deadline looms.
Protesters clashed near Yoon’s residence, demanding accountability for his alleged role in a failed December 3 martial law declaration. Others waved placards reading \"Stop the Steal\"—a nod to U.S. political rhetoric—defending the embattled leader. \"We must bring down the criminal Yoon!\" shouted Yang Kyung-soo of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions.
Yoon, South Korea’s first sitting president to face arrest, claims the investigation is unconstitutional. His legal team argues the anti-graft agency leading the probe lacks authority, but experts like Professor Rong Ying counter that \"the joint military-police operation validates the inquiry.\"
Meanwhile, Seoul’s Western District Court rejected Yoon’s challenge to the arrest warrant, deepening the crisis. With his impeachment trial pending and security forces blocking investigators last week, the turmoil threatens Asia’s fourth-largest economy—and its democratic foundations.
As snow piled up, so did public fury. Police detained two protesters for assault during Saturday’s rallies, while Yoon’s supporters vowed to \"fight for our president.\" The clock ticks: Will the Constitutional Court remove him—or reset South Korea’s political landscape?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com