In extraordinary scenes more reminiscent of a South American coup than a supposedly stable first world democracy, fights broke out between protestors supporting and opposing South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol, outside his presidential compound in an upscale suburb of Seoul. They were there to demand or resist Yoon’s arrest for his declaration of martial law last month.
Yoon, whose powers are currently suspended, is being defended by the PSS (Presidential Security Service) who are barring the way to government investigators now trying to figure out how to gain entry. Yoon’s personal security detail (200 strong) has fortified his compound and so far kept investigators at bay.
Unless the authorities seek a violent escalation, it may become a drawn-out legal battle
The PSS won the first round last Friday when after a six-hour stand-off, attempts to arrest the president were abandoned. The arrest warrant investigators were attempting to serve on that occasion expired on Monday, but a new one was issued almost immediately, hence their return.
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