South Koreans protest as suspended President Yoon faces Christmas summons: Video
South Koreans are protesting against suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol, demanding his impeachment and arrest.
Scores of citizens gathered in front of Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul on Thursday to protest, holding placards and chanting.
Yoon was stripped of his duties last week after declaring martial law earlier this month, a move that sparked South Korea's worst political crisis in decades.
Investigators have now ordered Yoon to appear before the country's Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) on Christmas Day.
He missed a previous summons this week without explanation. If he attends, Yoon would be the first sitting president in South Korea to appear before such an agency. The CIO said it is also considering issuing an arrest warrant if he refuses again.
Protesters expressed their frustrations over the situation. Jang Sun-hwa, a homemaker, said, "It’s heartbreaking that my children will grow up in a country that has been ruined. I come out to rallies whenever I can." Another protester, businessman Lee Seong-cheon, added, "Yoon should be impeached and arrested. This must serve as a lesson so this chapter is never repeated."
Yoon faces impeachment and serious charges, including insurrection, which could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Constitutional Court is reviewing his case and has six months to decide whether to uphold his impeachment.
