South Korean authorities launch second attempt to arrest president, reports Yonhap
CNN —
South Korean authorities investigating President Yoon Suk Yeol have arrived at his official residence in a second attempt to detain the embattled leader for questioning over his short-lived declaration of martial law last month, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency.
Vehicles from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO), which is working with police and the defense ministry to investigate Yoon, were seen arriving at the property early Wednesday, according to Yonhap. Members of the police appeared to be part of the arrest team.
Cameras from CNN affiliate YTN captured demonstrators pulling up in buses and gathering in the streets near the presidential compound.
Meanwhile, video from Reuters also showed groups of protesters crowding the main gate of the residence. A white van marked “POLICE” with flashing blue lights was also seen approaching the entrance flanked by uniformed officers.
Despite sub-zero conditions, demonstrators could be heard chanting “resign,” “your time is up” and “take responsibility.”
The crowds were accompanied by lines of uniformed police, and a combination of police buses and protester buses remained outside the residence, blockading the street.
Video from YTN showed a large sign on the back of one bus that read “Yoon Suk Yeol, Step Down” and “Insurrection Department – Yoon Suk Yeol” in Korean. Both slogans are typical for anti-Yoon protests since the president launched his abortive attempt at declaring martial law.
South Korean President-elect Yoon Suk-Yeol speaks during a news conference at the National Assembly on March 10, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea.For weeks, the embattled president has been holed up in his fortified residence, surrounded by his Presidential Security