And with news of the arrest warrant possibly being executed today, this has led to rising tensions near the presidential residence where rallies have been taking place.
We now go live to our reporter Lee Eun-hee, who is there standing by for us.
Eun-hee, what’s the situation like there?
Good evening Jumg-min, I’m out here near the presidential residence, in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu District, central Seoul.
Even late into the evening, citizen rallies continue, and the situation appears to be growing more intense.
Behind me, you can see supporters of President Yoon, giving speeches, singing together, and chanting slogans.
They are calling his name, opposing his impeachment, claiming that the declaration of martial law was legal, and demanding the arrest of the main opposition party leader.
Reportedly, as things got a bit heated here, some of Yoon’s supporters had to be taken to hospital due to health issues.
Also earlier, at around 4:30 PM, the police forcibly dispersed over 30 protesters who had broken through barricades and staged a sit-in at the front gate of the presidential residence, which had been going around since noon.
They were trying to block vehicles from entering the presidential residence and carrying out the arrest.
In response, the police issued five warnings before forcibly dragging them out, grabbing them by their arms and legs due to strong resistance.
During this process, two individuals were taken into custody.
Meanwhile, those opposing the president are also holding rallies and barricades have also been set up to prevent clashes between the two opposing groups.
Those calling for the President’s impeachment are criticizing him, stating that he has shown no remorse for his actions and are demanding his arrest.
Tension here at the scene is rising as speculation intensifies that anytime now, the execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol could proceed.
What is the current police presence like?
Well, I’ve already witnessed several heated exchanges between the protesters and police officers, mostly when the officers attempted to calm them down for safety reasons.
The police have been deployed to the streets and alleys near the presidential residence, and the area in front of the main gate is blocked off, restricting civilian access.
The entrance to the residence is blocked, and nearby, many riot control buses and police vehicles are parked, further strengthening the security presence.
So far, there has been no significant movement from the investigators regarding the execution of the warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest.
If this changes, additional police forces are expected to prevent any escalation.
That was our Lee Eun-hee live from the presidential residence in central Seoul.
Source : Arirang TV, https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=279568
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