Partial Mobilization Order for Support Groups Issued
Hundreds Gathered Early Morning
Commotion as Corruption Investigation Office Staff Arrived
The High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Unit (PCC) executed an arrest warrant against President Yoon Seok-yeol, who is accused of being the ringleader of a rebellion, on the 3rd, creating an atmosphere of extreme tension in front of the presidential residence. While there was no significant clash when the PCC investigation team entered the entrance of the residence, hundreds of President Yoon’s supporters gathered, causing disturbances in various places.
On the morning of the 3rd, as officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials arrived at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol, supporters were holding an anti-impeachment rally along the roadside near the residence. Photo by Heo Young-han
President Yoon’s supporters began gathering one after another in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, from around 6 a.m. that day. Some support groups had issued a mobilization order the day before, saying, “The PCC is said to make a surprise entry at dawn. Move to the Hannam-dong residence and hold your position.”
When news came around 6:15 a.m. that the PCC vehicle had departed to execute the arrest warrant, about 200 supporters who had gathered until then said, “We must block the vehicle,” and assembled at the entrance of Hannam Elementary School. By around 7 a.m., the number of supporters gathered along the sidewalk from Hangangjin Station on Subway Line 6 to near the residence increased to about 500.
They waved Taegeukgi and the U.S. flag while chanting “Yoon Seok-yeol.” However, compared to the more than 5,000 supporters who held a rally in front of the residence the previous afternoon, the number of people gathered was noticeably smaller due to the early morning hour.
As the execution of the arrest warrant approached, the police began controlling various areas around the residence. Police riot squad buses formed a wall of vehicles on two lanes of Hannam-daero from Hannam Bridge toward Yaksu Station. Riot police holding shields stood on the overpasses in front of Blue Square and Hannam Elementary School to block entry. Pedestrian traffic was also blocked by police-installed police line barricades. The police deployed 45 riot squad companies with about 2,700 officers and 135 police buses.
On the morning of the 3rd, as officials from the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) arrived at the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Seoul, to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol, police and officials stood facing the residence in front of the main gate. Police buses can also be seen forming a barricade inside the main gate of the residence. Photo by Heo Young-han
At around 7:20 a.m., when news came that the PCC vehicle was almost at the residence, the tension escalated further. About 200 supporters gathered at the entrance to the road from Hannam Elementary School to the residence, blocking the access road. They waved placards reading “Illegal warrant completely invalid” above their heads and continued to confront the police.
Supporters gathered in front of the International Lutheran Church also began a full-scale rally, shouting slogans such as “We must block them” and “Protect Yoon Seok-yeol,” while beating drums. After PCC staff entered the residence around 8 a.m., the commotion grew louder. About ten supporters ran up the hill toward the residence and took collective action, while others hurriedly tried to stop them. Some raised their voices, saying, “The Security Office must protect President Yoon with their lives.”
Especially when news came that the PCC investigation team entering the residence was breaking through the Security Office’s blockade, loud shouts erupted. When it was reported that they were confronting a military unit, extreme remarks such as “Shoot them if they don’t obey” were heard. They continuously shouted, “Arrest the PCC,” “Stay strong, Yoon Seok-yeol,” and “Stay strong, Security Office.”
By around 10 a.m., the number of supporters gathered in front of the Lutheran Church increased to 1,200. As the crowd surged onto the overpass, voices demanding crowd control were heard, saying, “The overpass is shaking. You must stop climbing.” In front of Hannam Elementary School, some supporters spread out folding chairs and mats on the access road and sat or even lay down.
On the 3rd, when the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Agency proceeded to execute an arrest warrant for President Yoon Seok-yeol, supporters of President Yoon Seok-yeol were struggling with the police at the entrance of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
Even after the PCC completed the execution of the arrest warrant, rallies by President Yoon’s supporters are expected to continue. In particular, a rally calling for President Yoon’s impeachment is scheduled around the residence in the afternoon, raising concerns about clashes between the two sides.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will launch a “Yoon Seok-yeol Arrest KCTU 1 Night 2 Days Intensive Struggle.” They plan to hold a resolution rally at Exit 2 of Hangangjin Station at 3 p.m., then march to the entrance of the residence and engage in an overnight protest.
Also, the Immediate Resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol and Emergency Action for Social Reform will hold an “Urgent Action Calling for Yoon Seok-yeol’s Arrest” starting at 7 p.m. at Exit 2 of Hangangjin Station, marching toward the Ilsin Building.
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