Some chanted “President Yoon Suk Yeol will be protected by the people” and called for the CIO chief to be arrested.
Pyeong In-su, 74, said police had to be stopped by “patriotic citizens,” a term Yoon used to describe those standing guard near his residence.
Holding a flag of the United States and South Korea with the words “Let’s go together” in English and Korean, Pyeong said he hoped incoming U.S. President Donald Trump would come to Yoon’s aid.
“I hope that after Trump is inaugurated he can use his influence to help our country get back on the right path,” he said.
The current arrest warrant is valid until January 6 and gives investigators only 48 hours to detain Yoon after his arrest. Investigators must then decide whether to request an arrest warrant or release him.
Once arrested, Yoon is expected to be held at the Seoul Detention Center, Yonhap News Agency said, citing the CIO.
Yoon sent shock waves across the country with a late-night announcement on December 3 that he was imposing martial law to overcome political deadlock and eradicate “anti-state forces.”
However, within hours, 190 lawmakers defied cordons of troops and police to vote against Yoon’s order. About six hours after his initial decree, Yoon rescinded it.
He later issued a defiant defense of his decision, saying that domestic political opponents are sympathetic to North Korea and citing uncorroborated accusations of election rigging.
Yoon has been in isolation since he was charged and suspended from power on December 4.
Aside from the criminal investigation, his impeachment case is currently before the Constitutional Court to decide whether to reinstate him or permanently remove him. A second hearing in that case is scheduled for later Friday.
Reuters