South Korea has entered a period of political turmoil following the impeachment and removal of President Yoon by lawmakers on December 14. In addition to an ongoing criminal investigation, the Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to confirm the parliamentary impeachment, permanently removing Yoon from office, or restoring his presidential powers.

The United States expressed its commitment to working with the South Korean government and acknowledged the efforts of its citizens to uphold constitutional principles. Meanwhile, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, stated that Tokyo is closely monitoring the developments in South Korea with serious interest.

Tensions escalated early Wednesday when authorities attempted to arrest Yoon at his residence. The operation, broadcast live, showed police entering the compound after navigating through Yoon supporters who had gathered in sub-zero temperatures. Some protesters clashed with police, holding flags with “Stop the Steal” slogans, echoing Yoon’s unproven claims of election fraud—a justification he used for his brief martial law declaration.

Yoon’s supporters have drawn parallels between his situation and that of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also alleged election fraud before making a political comeback. Protester Kim Woo-sub, a retiree, expressed hopes for Trump’s support, highlighting shared grievances over alleged election irregularities and the strategic importance of South Korea in countering China.

Although public opinion polls indicate that most South Koreans disapprove of Yoon’s martial law declaration and favor his impeachment, the crisis has revitalized his supporters and the People Power Party (PPP). Recent polls show the PPP’s support at 40.8%, narrowing the gap with the opposition Democratic Party at 42.2%, compared to a wider margin just a week earlier.