"The Day of Reckoning Has Come"... Tension Peaks in Front of the Residence Amid Speculation of Imminent Second Arrest Attempt

by Lee Seohee

Published 14 Jan.2025 21:21(KST)

Scenes of Divided Rallies on Both Sides

Tensions are rising in front of the presidential residence in Hannam-dong amid speculation that the re-execution of the arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol is imminent.

On the afternoon of the 14th, an anti-impeachment rally for President Yoon Seok-yeol is being held in front of the official residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 15th, groups such as the Shin Jayu Solidarity gathered in front of the International Lutheran Church and Hannam Elementary School to hold a rally in support of the president, chanting slogans like "Impeachment null and void" and "Disband the Corruption Investigation Office." Approximately 5,000 people, according to unofficial police estimates, gathered at the site. The organizers displayed an article on a large screen announcing the imminent re-execution of President Yoon's arrest warrant, shouting "The day of decisive battle has come" and "We will occupy Hannam-dong," to which the attendees responded with chants of "Fight, win, victory."

At around 6 p.m., Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, who took the stage, asserted, "We must block the illegal acts of the Corruption Investigation Office based on the people's right to resist." The Korea Straightening National Movement Headquarters (Daegukbon), led by Pastor Jeon, reportedly held an emergency nationwide member assembly in front of the presidential residence at 6 a.m. on the 15th. As night fell, attendees waved red light sticks and raised their voices.

"The Day of Reckoning Has Come"... Tension Peaks in Front of the Residence Amid Speculation of Imminent Second Arrest Attempt

At the same time, about 100 people, according to unofficial police estimates, gathered at rallies held by the National Sovereignty Party and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions in front of the Volvo Building and Ilsin Hall, respectively, waving placards reading "Arrest the rebel leader Yoon Suk-yeol" and "Arrest the top criminal Kim Kun-hee." When an activist shouted, "It seems President Yoon will be arrested next week. I hope he dines at the 'National Hotel,'" the attendees responded with chants such as "Yoon Suk-yeol step down."