Synopsis
On February 1, 2023, massive protests erupted in Seoul, South Korea, with demonstrators either opposing or calling for the ouster of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. These rallies followed Yoon's indictment on insurrection charges. Organizers claim up to 3 million participated, showcasing a divided public sentiment regarding his leadership.Key Takeaways
- Massive rallies in Seoul
- 3 million participants estimated
- Yoon Suk Yeol facing insurrection charges
- Calls for immediate removal of Yoon
- Divided public opinion on Yoon's presidency
Seoul, Feb 1 (NationPress) A vast number of demonstrators assembled in South Korea's capital, Seoul, on Saturday for extensive rallies, either opposing the removal of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol or advocating for his exit from office, following his recent indictment involving physical detention.
According to organizers, approximately 3 million individuals filled Seoul's central Gwanghwamun area, brandishing the Taegeukgi and the Stars and Stripes, while demanding Yoon's release during a rally against his impeachment.
Last Sunday, prosecutors charged Yoon with physical detention on insurrection accusations due to his brief proclamation of martial law on December 3. The subsequent week, the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon, leading to a Constitutional Court trial to determine his reinstatement or permanent removal from office.
"Yoon Suk Yeol will return if 10 million people gather on March 1. We can transform everything, be it the Constitution or any other aspect," declared conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, who is organizing a large gathering on that date.
The police's unofficial participant count was 38,000.
Parallel rallies supporting Yoon also occurred near the National Assembly in the western Yeouido district of Seoul and in front of the Seoul Central District Court in southern Seoul.
In Gwanghwamun, another rally demanded a Constitutional Court decision to remove Yoon, with 100,000 attendees according to organizers, while police estimates counted about 6,000.
Attendees called for Yoon's immediate removal and criticized acting President Choi Sang-mok for vetoing a parliamentary proposal that sought a special counsel investigation into Yoon regarding the martial law declaration.
"Let us decisively conclude, through the strength of the people, the insurrection plot by the anti-Constitution elements, including Yoon Suk Yeol and the ruling People Power Party," stated Kim Min Moon-jung, who led the rally against Yoon, according to Yonhap news agency.
Approximately 240 traffic police were deployed in Seoul as the large rallies led to traffic disruptions and various inconveniences.
