Elderly South Korean man, believed to be Yoon supporter, dies after self-immolation

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - A 79-year-old South Korean man, believed to be a supporter of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, died Wednesday after setting himself on fire earlier this month, local police confirmed.

According to Yonhap News, the man, whose identity was not disclosed, self-immolated on March 7 near Seoul City Hall after distributing printouts expressing support for Yoon.

Police stated that he succumbed to his burn injuries at a hospital in Seoul around 1.00 p.m. local time (0400GMT). This marks the second instance of a Yoon supporter dying by self-immolation.

On Jan. 15, a man in his 50s set himself on fire near the investigators' office in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, where Yoon was being questioned over his failed attempt to impose martial law. He was later pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, authorities have decided to deploy 14,000 riot officers in Seoul to manage potential unrest surrounding the upcoming impeachment ruling on Yoon, police announced Wednesday.

The eight-judge Constitutional Court concluded Yoon’s impeachment trial and is expected to deliver its highly anticipated verdict next week, according to The Korea Herald.

A minimum of six judges must vote in favor to uphold the impeachment. If upheld, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days. If dismissed, Yoon will immediately resume his duties and serve the remainder of his term until 2027.