Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

Both supporters and protesters staged rallies near the residence of South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday, a day before an arrest warrant for him expires.

On the day, conservative groups supporting Yoon and labor groups which hold opposing views called on the public to gather outside the presidential residence. Both sides sought to control the traffic near the residence.

Supporters of the president stressed that removing him from office would not solve the greater challenges the country faces.

"Some people said that as long as the president is arrested, as long as he steps down, everything will be solved. I think this is wrong, so I want to stand out and show my support," said a supporter.

When asked about Yoon's refusal to cooperate with the investigation into his martial law order in early December, the supporter stressed the necessity of waiting for South Korea's constitutional court's ruling.

Protesters said Yoon's declaration of martial law in December posed a significant threat to the fair governance of the country.

"Everyone may have different ideas, but most people, most citizens think that there is a problem now. If you don't stand out and speak up, there will be no change in the status quo. As an ordinary citizen, I think I should stand out and make my voice heard. Without citizens, this country will not exist, and there will be no constitution. But (Yoon) pointed the gun at the people and the constitution. Under the system of separation of powers, martial law was declared (because the National Assembly did not cooperate with the government to legislate). I can't agree with it at all," a protester said.

The investigators of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) attempted to arrest Yoon in his residence on January 3, but they failed as the presidential security service blocked the execution of the arrest warrant which was issued by the Seoul Western District Court.

A second arrest operation is being planned, but no action has been taken yet.

The arrest warrant remains valid until Monday.

According to multiple media outlets, the CIO will seek the extension of a warrant to arrest the impeached Yoon on Monday after entrusting the National Office of Investigation (NOI) with the task of executing the warrant on Sunday.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 last year and delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of December 3, 2024 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

Supporters, protesters gather at impeached South Korean president's residence

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