As investigators make yet another attempt to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief-lived martial law decree, thousands of South Koreans began gathering in the capital on Saturday ( Jan 11 ) for rival demonstrations.
After his failed Dec. 3 energy get plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, Yoon resisted imprisonment in a conflict between his soldiers and investigators last year.
On Saturday, protesters both for and against Yoon were scheduled to assemble in sub-zero problems along main roads in the city center of Seoul, either to demand his imprisonment or demand that his impeachment be overturned.
After Yoon directed troops to storm congress, where they repeatedly attempted to stop lawmakers from rejecting martial law, the nation has racked up anxiety for weeks. Since being impeached, Yoon has battened down the doors.
” Despite our efforts, he continues to evade accountability, and both the police and the CIO ( Corruption Investigation Office ) have really failed to act decisively”, said anti-Yoon protester and student Kim Min-ji, 25.
” It is crucial for us to raise our voices until he is removed from office.”
Yoon follower Su Yo-hahn, 71, said the sitting government’s martial law declaration which he alleged was to source out anti-state troops had “valid factors”.
He is a person who was elected by the people and who stands up for our nation. Saving Yoon is the way to keep our society”, said Su.
Before a significant show scheduled for 1pm in northern Seoul, Yoon’s supporters were already gathering outside his home early on Saturday. Individual anti-Yoon demonstrations were planned for 2.30pm and 4pm.
Yoon is facing rebellion fees, one of the few crimes that is not covered by the constitution, which could lead to his execution or even the death penalty.
Yoon would become the first South Korean president to remain detained while serving on the permit.
Park Chong-jun, his national security chief, resigned on Friday as he was being interrogated about why his guards prevented Yoon’s arrest during a day of intense drama that required investigators to descend over safety concerns.
In a six-hour stalemate, the national security services ( PSS) soldiers, including military personnel, shielded him from researchers.
Park was detained once more on Saturday, but acting PSS key Kim Seong-hun refused to turn up a second call, opening him up for possible imprisonment.
” Kim Seong-hun… cannot leave his post for perhaps a second regarding national security things”, the PSS said in a statement.