Snowy Protests Erupt in South Korea Over Suspended President Yoon’s Future

Protests in South Korea are heating up as supporters and opponents of suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol prepare to rally despite a snowstorm. Yoon is currently avoiding arrest after a controversial martial law decision last month, which has caused a lot of chaos in the country. He has stayed inside the presidential residence, guarded by many loyal security officers.

Just yesterday, thousands of people gathered at his residence and on the streets of Seoul. Some are demanding Yoon’s arrest, while others want his impeachment process to be declared invalid. Even with heavy snow, protesters are determined to show up. Lee Jin-ah, a 28-year-old protester, said, “Snow doesn’t matter to me. I quit my job to come here and protect our democracy.” Park Young-chul, in his 70s, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I faced worse during the war. This snow is nothing compared to that.”

Yoon has been accused of serious crimes, including insurrection, which means he could face significant punishment if arrested. This would make him the first sitting president in South Korea to be arrested.

In response, the Democratic Party has called for the disbandment of the security service protecting Yoon, claiming they have broken the law by preventing authorities from reaching him. The acting president, Choi Sang-mok, is urged to ensure cooperation with investigators.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to arrive in Seoul, aiming to support South Korea during this crisis. Yoon’s lawyers argue that the arrest attempt was not legal and plan to challenge it.

The Constitutional Court is scheduled to start Yoon’s impeachment trial on January 14, 2024. If he does not attend, the trial will continue without him. Until the court makes a decision, Yoon remains the acting president.