In declaring martial law early last month, Yoon used similar language, citing the need to “eradicate pro-North Korean forces.” He later defended the move as a temporary measure to warn his opposition rivals, whom he accused of obstructing governance. Critics, however, viewed the declaration as an authoritarian overreach.

South Korea's Presidential Security Service chief resigned Friday and acting President Choi Sang-mok accepted it. President Yoon Suk Yeol remains in his fortified residence as law enforcement seeks to arrest him.

Protesters both for and against Yoon were scheduled to gather in sub-zero conditions along major roads in the centre of Seoul on Saturday – either demanding his arrest or calling for his impeachment t