By Anadolu staff
ANKARA(AA) - Protesters engaged in a standoff Thursday with police outside the presidential residence in Seoul as they continued to demand the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for his failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this month, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Shouting slogans, such as "Arrest insurrection ringleader Yoon Suk Yeol," nearly 1,000 protesters marched to the residence's entrance, defying police warnings.
Protesters, including members of the militant labor umbrella group, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, and liberal civic groups, began a rally near Seoul Plaza in the afternoon and briefly engaged in a standoff with police in the Namyeong-dong neighborhood.
They blocked roads near the presidential residence, disrupting traffic.
Separate protests continued outside the National Assembly on for a 10th consecutive day to demand Yoon’s impeachment.
The protests took place as an opposition bloc of six parties filed a second impeachment motion against Yoon. A vote is expected Saturday.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader voiced support Thursday for Yoon’s impeachment after the president publicly defended his attempt to impose martial law.
Han Dong-hoon said it has become "clearer" that Yoon is "unable to carry out" his duties, adding that the situation "must be swiftly straightened out ... through the impeachment process."
The 63-year-old embattled leader survived a first impeachment motion over the weekend.
The opposition bloc needs the support of at least eight ruling lawmakers in the 300-seat parliament to reach the 200 votes needed to oust the president.
Yoon imposed martial law late Dec. 3, but 190 lawmakers rushed to parliament and passed a motion to lift it.
It triggered a political crisis, including growing demands for Yoon to resign, including from his party.