Gwangju Citizens Say "Impeachment of Yoon Is the Answer"

Over 1,000 People Chant 'Resign and Arrest' at 5·18 Minju Plaza
Anonymous Citizens Also Prepay Support for Gimbap, Coffee, and Hot Packs

At the 'Citizens' Political Rally Urging the Impeachment and Arrest of Yoon Seok-yeol and the Dissolution of the People Power Party' held at the 5·18 Democracy Square on the 10th afternoon, citizens are holding placards and shouting the slogan "Impeachment is the answer." Photo by Song Bohyun

The voices of Gwangju citizens calling for President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation echoed once again at the 5·18 Democracy Square on the 10th.

The Gwangju Emergency Action for the Resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol Regime and about 1,000 citizens held a "Citizen Political Rally Demanding Yoon Suk-yeol's Impeachment and Arrest, and the Dissolution of the People Power Party" at 5·18 Democracy Square starting from 7 p.m. that day.

The citizens attending the rally held placards with phrases such as "Immediate Resignation and Arrest of Yoon Suk-yeol" and "Dissolution of the People Power Party," repeatedly shouting "Impeachment is the answer" in rhythm with popular songs.

At the scene, Yoon Nam-sik, chairman of the 5·18 Democratic Movement Merit Association, said, "I have been attending rallies while traveling between Seoul and Gwangju," adding, "Many young people are noticeable in the square. It is heartening but at the same time, I feel sorry as part of the older generation." He emphasized, "The three 5·18 public law organizations (the Bereaved Families Association, the Injured Association, and the Merit Association) will fight to the end, not only for Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment but until the day he is finally punished."

Han Dong-su (71) said, "I want to go up to Yongsan right now and pull him down, but I am old and came out to the square because I want to do something immediately. Yoon Suk-yeol, who does not fit a democratic country, must be impeached as soon as possible."

There was also a young man holding a unique flag at the rally that day. He, who requested anonymity, said, "At rallies in Seoul and elsewhere, there are many interesting flags such as the 'National Lie-Down-at-Home Alliance' or 'People Who Ran Out While Writing Theses,' but I haven't seen such flags in Gwangju, so I made one myself," adding, "Although the political situation is chaotic, I will not lose my sense of humor."

At the 'Citizens' Rally Urging the Impeachment and Arrest of Yoon Seok-yeol and the Dissolution of the People Power Party' held at the 5.18 Democracy Square on the 10th, a citizen is waving a flag they made themselves. Photo by Song Bohyun

Meanwhile, since last week, anonymous prepayments of kimbap, coffee, and hand warmers have been made for participants due to the cold weather at the rallies.

On social networking services (SNS), a netizen posted a message saying, "I have prepaid for drinks and food sold at cafes and restaurants near Dong-gu 5·18 Democracy Square, so rally participants can take them comfortably."

Another netizen wrote, "I have prepaid 100 rolls of regular kimbap within 5 minutes' distance for those participating in the rally. Up to 3 rolls per person. When ordering, just say 'Democracy.'"

There was also a netizen who said, "I have prepaid at Bulk Coffee Chungjang branch so you can order hot or iced coffee. Up to 4 cups per person. Take care of your health in the cold weather, and let's meet at the square."