CNN
—
South Korean authorities investigating President Yun Seok-Yeol have arrived at his official residence in a second attempt to detain the embattled president for questioning over last month’s brief declaration of martial law, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported. did.
Yonhap News reported that a vehicle from the Corruption Investigation Bureau (CIO), which is investigating Yun in cooperation with the police and the Defense Ministry, was seen arriving at the scene early Wednesday. Members of the police are also believed to be part of the arrest team.
CNN affiliate YTN’s cameras captured demonstrators boarding buses and gathering on the streets near the presidential palace.
Meanwhile, a Reuters video also showed a group of protesters crowding the main gate of the official residence. A white van with flashing blue lights emblazoned with the word “POLICE” was also seen approaching the entrance surrounded by uniformed police officers.
Despite freezing temperatures, protesters could be heard shouting “resign,” “time is up” and “take responsibility.”
The crowd was escorted by a line of uniformed police, and a combination of police and protester buses remained outside the official residence, blocking the street.
YTN’s video showed a large sign in Korean reading “Yun Seok-yeol resigns” and “Rebellion Department – Yoon Seok-yeol” on the back of one of the buses. Both slogans have become typical of anti-Yin protests since the president’s failed attempt to declare martial law.
The embattled president has been holed up in his fortified mansion surrounded by a presidential security team for weeks, evading arrest as he faces multiple investigations and an impeachment trial following a brief executive order. There is.
Yun is being investigated in multiple investigations, including charges of leading the riot, a crime punishable by life in prison or even the death penalty.
An attempt to detain him earlier this month was thwarted after an hours-long standoff in which soldiers and members of the presidential guard blocked about 80 police and investigators from approaching the presidential palace.
In a sudden late-night speech on December 3, Mr. Yoon declared martial law in order to “protect liberal South Korea” from the threat of “anti-national elements” as opposition politicians were “paralyzing national politics.” He argued that this measure was necessary.
Members of Congress, including members of Yun’s party, voted to withdraw the declaration about six hours later. Yun’s order faced fierce opposition from the public and lawmakers across the political spectrum, reviving painful memories of the country’s authoritarian past.
Since then, the country has been in political turmoil, with parliament also voting to impeach Prime Minister and acting president Han Deok-soo just weeks after voting to impeach Yoon. Minister of Finance Choi Sang-mok is currently acting president.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
