Anti-Yoon farmers use tractors in standoff with police in southern Seoul

Tractors are blocked by police vehicles on a road in southern Seoul, Dec. 21. Yonhap

Tractors are blocked by police vehicles on a road in southern Seoul, Dec. 21. Yonhap

A group of farmers, aboard tractors, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest were in an hours-long standoff with police in southern Seoul, Saturday, as they attempted to stage a protest near Yoon's residence.

Some 30 tractors and about 50 cargo trucks affiliated with the Korean Peasants League were prevented by police from entering further into the capital near Namtaeryeong pass at 12 p.m., according to the farmer's group and police.

The group had planned a march using tractors to Yoon's residence and Gwanghwamun Square both in central Seoul, but the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency notified them of restrictions, citing its potential impact on traffic.

Police blocked a road near the pass by lining up buses, causing severe traffic congestion in the area.

About three to four tractors still entered Seoul, although no one has so far been apprehended.

The farmers' group said it intends to continue with the march, calling the police decision a violation of its right to hold protests. The protest comes after Yoon's impeachment last Saturday over his short-lived imposition of martial law on Dec. 3. (Yonhap)


Top 10 Stories

LETTER

Sign up for eNewsletter