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Protests continue as arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon is reissued

Published: 08 Jan. 2025, 11:22 Updated: 08 Jan. 2025, 17:13

LEE SOO-JUNG
[email protected]

Protesters take to the streets in front of the presidential residence in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on Jan. 7. [YONHAP]

Protests surrounding impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol continued into Wednesday morning, following the re-issuance of an arrest warrant against him, giving law enforcement authorities another opportunity to apprehend him.

In Yongsan District’s Hannam-dong, a district in central Seoul where the presidential residence is located, supporters of Yoon and those calling for his swift arrest rallied overnight after the Seoul Western District Court issued a second arrest warrant against him on Tuesday afternoon.

Around 6 a.m., pro-Yoon demonstrators were still gathered, waving Korean and American flags and shouting slogans such as "Let’s protect Korea" and "We oppose impeachment." Police estimated that approximately 600 protesters were present by Wednesday morning.

The pro-Yoon group also argued that the arrest warrant, requested by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, was invalid, claiming the office does not have the authority to investigate insurrection charges. Ruling People Power Party Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun joined the rally in support of Yoon.

Meanwhile, those calling for Yoon's arrest responded with chants demanding swift action on the arrest warrant. They are planning to hold daily protests at 3 p.m. every day until Yoon's arrest.

Although there were occasional scuffles between the two sides during the overnight rally, no direct clashes occurred, according to Yonhap News Agency. Police stationed buses between the opposing groups to prevent confrontation.

Both pro- and anti-Yoon rallies continued near the presidential residence on Wednesday afternoon.

During the afternoon protest, Yoon's supporters shouted slogans such as "Reinstate Yoon." Four pro-Yoon demonstrators shaved their heads to show dissatisfaction with law enforcement efforts to arrest the president.

In contrast, Yoon's opponents said they were "looking forward to another victory after winning in Yeouido," referring to the impeachment's passage at the National Assembly.

Update, Jan 8 : Details of afternoon protest added.

BY LEE SOO-JUNG [[email protected]]