'Tension Rises in Front of Hannam-dong Residence Over Reissuance of Yoon's Arrest Warrant... Pro and Con Rallies Continue'

As an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol was reissued, the atmosphere grew tense again with overnight rallies by both pro- and anti-impeachment groups near the presidential residence.

On the morning of the 8th, participants of the pro- and anti-impeachment rallies are confronting each other across a barricade set up by the police near the Presidential Residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yeom Da-yeon

At around 7 a.m. on the 8th, the area near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, was once again divided following the news of the reissuance of the arrest warrant.

About 500 supporters of President Yoon gathered in front of the International Lutheran Church, wrapped in foil sheets and Taegeukgi flags, chanting slogans such as “Protect the President,” “Arrest Lee Jae-myung,” and “Arrest Oh Dong-woon, head of the Corruption Investigation Office.” Around 50 supporters also gathered in front of Hannam Elementary School, waving Taegeukgi flags and holding signs opposing impeachment.

At the same time, citizens calling for President Yoon’s impeachment pitched tents near Hannam Elementary School and stayed in place. They raised their voices with slogans like “Yoon Suk-yeol, come out immediately and face investigation” and “Vacate the office and go to jail.”

A tense standoff nearly erupted as participants from both sides clashed across a roughly 3-meter barricade installed by the police. They pointed fingers and shouted at each other. When Yoon’s supporters said, “What good will standing there do?” the pro-impeachment participants retorted, “You are accomplices to treason.”

At around 7:30 a.m., the pro-impeachment group decided to relocate their rally site. They explained, “We stayed overnight, but we want to move because it might obstruct morning commute traffic.” Yoon’s supporters shouted, “They are finally running away.”

The police are preparing for the large crowds by partially controlling one lane from Ilshin Building to the pedestrian overpass in front of Hannam Elementary School and deploying additional riot police units.