In Seoul, thousands braved significant snowfall this past Sunday to participate in protests regarding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. With an arrest warrant for Yoon related to allegations of insurrection set to expire at midnight local time, demonstrators gathered near his residence, divided between those advocating for his immediate arrest and those rallying in his defense. This marked a pivotal moment in South Korea's ongoing political crisis, as the country faced yet another high-stakes confrontation.

Yoon is notably the first sitting president in South Korea facing arrest, stemming from a controversial attempt to declare martial law on December 3, which instigated extensive political turmoil within the nation, impacting its status as a key U.S. ally and economic power in Asia.

Following impeachment by parliamentary vote, Yoon is currently suspended from his official duties awaiting a court decision on his potential reinstatement. In a recent six-hour standoff, Yoon's presidential security service and military personnel frustrated criminal investigators seeking to execute the arrest warrant.

Protesters confronted harsh weather, with temperatures plummeting below minus five degrees Celsius and over 5 centimeters of snow in the capital. Yang Kyung-soo, leader of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), expressed the rallying cry: "We have to reestablish the foundation of our society by punishing the president who has denied the constitution," calling for immediate arrest and detention of Yoon. Supporters of the president held opposing signs declaring, "We will fight for President Yoon Suk Yeol" and echoed sentiments from the "Stop the Steal" movement, popularized in U.S. politics.

Prior events drew tens of thousands of South Koreans into the streets, during which police attempted to disperse KCTU demonstrators blocking major routes. Reports indicated that two individuals were taken into custody on charges of assaulting officers amidst the commotion.

As the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials continues to spearhead Yoon's criminal inquiry, they have repeatedly urged acting President Choi Sang-mok to enforce compliance with the arrest warrant. A spokesperson from the finance ministry chose not to comment on the matter.

For more details on this developing situation, visit VOA News and Reuters.