Seoul's streets erupt with protests as impeachment ruling on President Yoon looms

Tens of thousands of supporters and protesters took to the streets of central Seoul on March 15, either advocating for the impeachment or calling for the reinstatement of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol. 

The rallies took place ahead of the Constitutional Court's long-awaited ruling on Yoon's impeachment, Caliber.Az reports via Korean media.

Candle Move, an anti-Yoon civic group, organized a large rally near the Constitutional Court, marking what could be the last weekend of protests before the court’s decision. The court is deliberating whether to uphold or dismiss Yoon’s impeachment, stemming from his controversial martial law declaration on December 3. The ruling date has not been confirmed, though many anticipate it will be announced next week.

The anti-Yoon protest was followed by a mass demonstration in the nearby Gwanghwamun area, where opposition lawmakers, including more than 100 from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), marched from the National Assembly. DPK floor leader Park Chan-dae suggested that the Constitutional Court could rule to oust Yoon unanimously, warning that reinstating him would lead the country toward dictatorship and chaos.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the largest labour union in the country, also held a protest rally in central Seoul. Police estimated nearly 20,000 people attended the rally in opposition to Yoon.

In Gwanghwamun, approximately 35,000 people gathered, waving both the Taegeukgi (South Korean flag) and the Stars and Stripes, while chanting for Yoon's "immediate reinstatement" and calling for the dissolution of the National Assembly.

A rally host read a letter from former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who was indicted over the martial law controversy. The letter called for the "thorough revelation of the crimes of the evil forces" and their punishment "in the name of the people."

Meanwhile, supporters of Yoon staged their own rally in front of the Constitutional Court, briefly clashing with opposing demonstrators.

Save Korea, a conservative Christian group, held a separate prayer rally near the National Assembly in western Seoul, attended by about 3,500 people. The attendees sang hymns and voiced their calls for the cancellation of Yoon’s impeachment.

In response to the large demonstrations, approximately 3,600 police officers were deployed across central Seoul. Police buses lined the streets to prevent any violence.

Authorities also announced that Anguk subway station, located near the Constitutional Court, would be closed from the day of the ruling until the situation stabilizes.

By Tamilla Hasanova