S Koreans share views on Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest warrant, nation's future

South Koreans rallied in the streets of Daegu on Saturday, with some in the crowds sharing their views on the arrest warrant for impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and reflecting on the nation's current challenges and its future direction.

On Friday, investigators from South Korea's Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) departed the presidential residence after an unsuccessful attempt to arrest Yoon. The anti-corruption unit cited ongoing confrontations as making it nearly impossible to execute the arrest warrant, which had been issued by a Seoul court on Tuesday.

This was the first time in South Korea's modern history that an arrest warrant was issued against a sitting president.

On Saturday, some South Koreans took to the streets of Daegu to rally, the city where Yoon began his career at the public prosecutor's office in 1994.

Opinions among the rally participants were divided over the arrest warrant issued for Yoon.

"(The arrest warrant) is just nonsense. Logically speaking, these things shouldn't be happening, but they are," said Park, a retiree.

"I think the term 'arrest warrant for the president' is incorrect, and the proper term should be 'arrest warrant for the ringleader of a rebellion.' I believe this is something that absolutely must be done," said Na Je-hyun, a cultural planner.

"People are calling for an arrest. If there's a crime, it should, of course, lead to an arrest, followed by legal procedures. However, there hasn't yet been a judgment declaring guilt. Even though some members of the National Assembly oppose it, if the Constitutional Court or the final ruling comes out and determines guilt, then the individual should be detained and pay the price for his crimes," said Kwon Young-jo, a vocational school instructor.

The turbulence in government and conflicts between political parties have sparked widespread concern about the country and frustration toward politicians whom residents believe are solely focused on their own interests.

"I feel deeply ashamed. However, I came across an article by a foreigner saying, 'Korean people are faster at restoring democracy than fixing a photocopier at work.' It made me laugh and feel sad at the same time," said Na.

"Looking at this situation, whether Yoon has committed crimes or not, he is still the leader of the nation. The ruling and opposition parties should unite. However, I believe almost no one is truly thinking about the country right now. Both the ruling and opposition parties seem to only care about their own party," said Kwon.

Park expressed strong criticism of South Korea's political system, arguing that limiting lawmakers to a single term could prevent corruption and backdoor dealings.

"Members of South Korea's National Assembly shouldn't serve more than one term. If they serve more than that, they all turn into thieves. They share money among themselves, and behind the scenes, they exchange money for hidden interests. Ordinary citizens are so busy making a living that they don't even know how the world is running," he said.

Some emphasized the importance of advancing the arrest warrant process through legal procedures, while others hoped for collaboration between the ruling and opposition parties to move the country forward.

"I firmly believe Yoon, as the ringleader of the rebellion, will be arrested. What's more important is what happens after that. Moving forward, I think every citizen must keep a vigilant eye on each step of the process to ensure that South Korea's democracy continues on the right path. Each one of us must make an effort," said Na.

"I hope both sides can make concessions and work together in harmony," said Kwon.

S Koreans share views on Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest warrant, nation's future

As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.

With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.

In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.

Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.

"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.

In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.

Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."

The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.

According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.

In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.

Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.

"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.

Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival