S. Koreans Stage Rival Protests as Embattled Yoon Digs His Heels In

Impeached leader resists arrest while country's worst political crisis in decades continues

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Thousands of South Koreans gathered for rival demonstrations in the capital Seoul on Jan. 11, as investigators prepare another attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived martial law decree.

Mr. Yoon resisted arrest in a stand-off between his guards and investigators last week, after his failed power grab on Dec. 3 plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades.

Demonstrators, both against and for Mr. Yoon, were scheduled to gather in sub-zero conditions along major roads in the center of Seoul on Jan. 11 - either demanding his arrest or calling for his impeachment to be declared invalid.

The country has bristled with tension for weeks after Mr. Yoon directed soldiers to storm Parliament, where they unsuccessfully tried to prevent lawmakers from voting down martial law.

Since being impeached, Mr. Yoon has battened down the hatches.

"Despite our efforts, he continues to evade accountability, and both the police and the CIO (Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials) have really failed to act decisively," said anti-Yoon protester and student Kim Min-ji, 25.

"It is crucial for us to raise our voices until he is removed from office."