South Korea's Political Turmoil: Protests Intensify As President Yoon Faces Arrest Deadline

South Korea’s political crisis deepens as President Yoon faces insurrection charges. Protests intensify in Seoul amid heavy snow, with a looming arrest deadline.

Thousands of South Koreans braved freezing snowstorms on Sunday to rally in Seoul, either supporting or opposing President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is embroiled in a political crisis. Yoon, suspended from his presidential duties, faces criminal charges of insurrection following his failed martial law bid last month.

Protests Amid Snow and Political Unrest

The demonstrations were sparked by Yoon’s declaration of martial law, which plunged South Korea into chaos. Yoon has been holed up in the presidential residence, surrounded by loyal security personnel, after resisting arrest during a tense six-hour standoff on Friday.

Despite heavy snowfall, protesters gathered outside his residence on Sunday. One group demanded Yoon’s immediate arrest, while the other called for the invalidation of his impeachment.

Lee Jin-ah, a 28-year-old anti-Yoon protester, said, “Snow is nothing for me. I quit my job to protect our country and democracy.” On the other side, 70-year-old Park Young-chul, a staunch Yoon supporter, declared, “I’ve faced worse during the war. This snow is nothing.”

Legal and Political Ramifications

Yoon’s arrest warrant, which expires Monday at midnight, could make him the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested. He faces charges of insurrection, a serious crime not protected by presidential immunity, with potential penalties ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty.

A prosecutors’ report revealed that Yoon disregarded objections from key cabinet members, including the prime minister and foreign minister, before his failed martial law bid. The opposition Democratic Party has since called for the dissolution of the presidential security service, which has been shielding Yoon.

Security service chief Park Jong-joon defended the decision, stating, “Executing an arrest warrant under questionable legal grounds undermines the mission of protecting the President’s safety.”

U.S. Diplomatic Involvement

As the crisis escalates, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Seoul on Sunday for scheduled talks with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul. Blinken is expected to address the political unrest, given South Korea’s strategic importance as a U.S. ally.

Conclusion

South Korea remains on edge as the arrest deadline looms. Whether Yoon will face justice or further resistance will shape the nation’s political future.