The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) took action on the 3rd to execute an arrest warrant against President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of being the ringleader of a rebellion, creating extreme tension in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol are holding a rally on the 3rd at the entrance of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to prevent the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency from executing an arrest warrant. Photo by Yonhap News
In the chilly weather of minus 5 degrees Celsius, supporters of President Yoon began gathering in front of the Hannam-dong residence around 6 a.m. When news came around 6:15 a.m. that the PCC vehicle had departed to execute the arrest warrant, about 200 supporters gathered at the entrance of Hannam Elementary School, saying, "We must block the vehicle."
As the arrival of PCC prosecutors and investigators drew near, the police set up barricades on sidewalks and roads to block passage and formed a police bus barrier to block entry to the main gate of the residence. Supporters waved placards above their heads that read "Illegal Warrant Completely Invalid."
The scene near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, on the 3rd, when the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency began executing the arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News
At around 7:20 a.m., PCC investigators arrived. When a supporter shouted, "The PCC has arrived in front of the residence," a brief commotion broke out. However, there was no actual attempt to block the PCC vehicle. Some supporters shouted to follow the vehicle, but most stayed in place.
Later, around 8 a.m., the PCC investigation team, temporarily blocked by a minibus parked in front of the residence, entered the residence after the barricade was opened. As the execution of the arrest warrant began, some supporters of President Yoon shouted loudly and ran up the hill toward the residence.
High-ranking officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials executing an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol are entering through the entrance of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News
The police deployed 45 riot squads and about 2,700 officers in preparation for the execution of the arrest warrant and possible clashes. 135 police buses were also on standby at the scene. Two lanes of Hannam-daero from Hannam Bridge toward Yaksu Station were controlled, causing traffic congestion in the area during the morning commute.
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