Candlelight protests erupt in South Korea over martial law controversy

Protests with candles took place near Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea in response to the situation surrounding the cancellation of martial law.

Another rally was held outside the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The protest near Gwanghwamun Square began at 6:00 (GMT+9). Participants carried candles, a symbol of previous demonstrations, notably the 2016 protests demanding the resignation of President Park Geun-hye. At this event, many of those present called for the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had initially declared martial law and then rescinded it following a parliamentary vote.

On December 4, the opposition initiated impeachment proceedings against the president. Approximately 10,000 people attended the protest, though police estimated the number at 2,000. Later, the protesters marched towards the presidential office in the Yongsan district. 

Another protest was held outside the National Assembly building. Unlike the previous day, the entrance to the complex was open, and the rally took place near the stairs of the main building. Around 1,500 participants gathered, once again calling for the president's resignation. They sang along to songs with political slogans. 

The South Korean media reported that candlelight protests took place in several major cities across the country, including Gwangju, Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan. As with the Gwanghwamun Square protest in Seoul, the events in these cities were organised by labour unions and civic groups.

By Naila Huseynova