A standoff between rival government forces outside the presidential compound in South Korea is a startling development, even for observers used to the country’s famously rough and tumble politics.

Protesters have thronged the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, where officials trying to arrest him were blocked by security guards.

Anti-corruption officials have suspended their attempt to arrest South Korea's "embattled" President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges after a "dramatic" hours-long stand-off with his security forces,