Photos: South Korean political circus continues as impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol defies arrest

Thousands of Yoon Suk Yeol’s supporters gathered outside his residence, braving freezing temperatures. Waving South Korean and American flags, they chanted slogans denouncing his impeachment and vowing to protect him against arrest. (Image source: AP)​

It all started on 3rd December, when President Yoon declared martial law citing "anti-state activities" and North Korean threats. The decree banned public gatherings, strikes, and political activities while placing media and healthcare under military control. (Image source: AP)​

Following the declaration of martial law, thousands of South Koreans flooded the streets in protest, condemning the move as a return to authoritarian rule. Demonstrators demanded the restoration of democratic norms, chanting slogans and holding placards in defiance. (Image source: AP)​

Hours later, the South Korean parliament unanimously overturned Yoon’s martial law declaration, condemning it as unconstitutional. The government faced international and domestic criticism for the drastic measure. (Image source: AP)​

On 14th December, the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon, suspending his powers. The motion accused him of rebellion for deploying troops against the legislature. The Constitutional Court began deliberations on his removal. (Image source: AP)​

A Seoul court issued a warrant for Yoon’s detention on charges of rebellion. Investigators planned to detain him at his official residence, marking the first such warrant against a sitting president. (Image source: PTI, AP)​

In a televised statement, Yoon declared his intent to resist his detainment. He criticised the opposition, accusing them of undermining democracy, and vowed to "fight" the detainment order. (Image source: AP)​

Yoon's supporters staged widespread demonstrations, forming human chains and blocking access to his residence. Chanting "Protect Yoon Suk Yeol," they called the impeachment invalid and vowed to prevent his detention, intensifying tensions nationwide. (Image source: AP)​

Investigators and police, heavily outnumbered by Yoon’s security forces, attempted to execute the detention warrant. Clashes broke out as security teams blocked access to the residence. (Image source: PTI)

After a six-hour standoff, investigators withdrew citing safety concerns. Yoon’s security forces, supported by protesters, successfully prevented his detention. Officials debated further actions as the warrant’s validity neared expiry. (Image source: AP)​