The prosecution requested the acting president to instruct the security forces to execute an arrest warrant for CEO Yoon.
Thousands of South Korean protesters held rival rallies in Seoul, a day after an arrest warrant was not executed for President Yoon Seok-yeol, who was sentenced to probation last month due to his brief declaration of martial law.
Protesters clashed outside the Blue House and along major roads in Seoul on Saturday, demanding the arrest of Prosecutor General Yoon and the invalidation of his impeachment.
Political divisions are growing further as investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) pressure Acting President Choi Sang-mok to order the Secret Service to execute an arrest warrant for former Chairman Yoon.
On Friday, Blue House security guards and soldiers prevented prosecutors from arresting Yoon at the impeached president’s compound for six hours. Investigators eventually called off the arrest attempt, citing safety concerns.
The confrontation, which reportedly included pushing but no shots fired, left the warrant in limbo and the court order is set to expire on Monday.
President Yoon’s declaration of martial law on December 3 shocked the Republic of Korea, and triggered a serious political crisis at the same time as the first arrest warrant was issued for a sitting president.
Mr. Yoon was charged with insurrection, one of the few crimes not covered by presidential immunity. This means he could be sentenced to prison or, in the worst case, the death penalty.
His lawyers called Friday’s arrest attempt “illegal and invalid” and said they would take legal action.
Yonhap News also reported that the police requested on Saturday that Park Jong-jun, head of the Blue House Security Office, who protects Mr. Yoon, appear on Tuesday for questioning.
Al Jazeera’s Patrick Falk, reporting from Seoul, said Saturday’s protests were peaceful and orderly.
He said, “It is surprising in many ways, but the public’s frustration with President Yoon is undoubtedly growing.”
“And I wonder how long these protests will remain peaceful if the situation continues.”
Rep. Yoon’s supporter Kim Cheol-hong (60) said that the impeached president’s arrest could weaken Korea’s security alliance with the United States and Japan.
In an interview with AFP, he said, “Protecting Secretary-General Yoon means protecting our country’s security from threats from North Korea.”
Meanwhile, members of Korea’s largest Korean Confederation of Trade Unions attempted to march to Yoon’s home to protest against him, but were stopped by police.
The union said two of its members were arrested and several others were injured in scuffles with police on Saturday.
Investigators may make another attempt to arrest Yoon before the court order expires on Monday. When a warrant expires, investigators may apply for another warrant.
The Constitutional Court decided to begin the impeachment trial of President Yoon on January 14, but if Chairman Yoon does not appear, the trial will continue.
