[Report] "Joy Beyond Words"... Festival Atmosphere Following Impeachment Approval

Over 1 Million Participants Hosted
Unique Flags and Cheer Stick Solidarity Appear
Collaborating Journalists' Political Statement

"I have indescribable feelings now that the impeachment motion has been passed."

Participants are shouting slogans at a rally urging impeachment held on the 14th in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, where the second impeachment vote against President Yoon Seok-yeol is scheduled. Photo by Heo Young-han

On the 14th, at the rally calling for President Yoon Seok-yeol's resignation in front of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Kim Young-joo (64) said, "I experienced the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement in my twenties," and "I came to Yeouido every day since martial law was declared," shedding tears of joy.

The organizers estimated that over one million people gathered at this rally, while the police's unofficial estimate was 200,000. When the passage of the impeachment motion was announced, cheers erupted, and citizens embraced each other and shouted "manse" (hurrah). Lee Soo-ryun (46) said, "I hope this event teaches politicians and the president that they must serve the will of the people," adding, "I grew up hearing many stories about the May 18 emergency martial law from my parents, and this time I felt fear and trauma."

The rally site quickly turned into a festive atmosphere. Jung Yoon-young (53) said, "I am so moved right now," and smiled, "Finally, the rule of law will be established, and we can become a democratic country where the will of the people is respected." Jung Hyun-joo (55) said, "I have been here since 1 p.m. today, and it was very cold, but the cold has completely gone away," adding, "I feel really good and happy." Lee Mo (42) said, "It is not over yet," and "I hope more people participate and take more interest like now." Park Pil-soon (48) emphasized, "This is the first time in 20 years that I have jumped around like this," and "I feel so good. It couldn't be better."

Fans of the idol group NCT are holding light sticks. Photo by Seongah Shim

Many people at the site were holding idol light sticks. Kim Ga-hyun (20), who came holding the light stick of the idol group NCT, said, "I came out to impeach the president," and "Our light stick symbolizes an 'unextinguishable light.' It is the brightest among other idol light sticks, so it is very useful right now." Song Min-young (22) said, "I think democracy means that people can live their daily lives freely," and "Society is very chaotic right now. I want peace soon so I can go to concerts."

Flag groups such as 'Panda Enthusiasts' and 'Hamburger Lovers' appeared. Lee Eun-ae (39), who came holding the 'Mediterranean Panda Hegemonists Union' flag, said, "I am just a panda enthusiast. I want to be comfortable watching panda YouTube videos at home. I hope such a world comes soon," adding, "I am angry about this situation. Even ordinary people think this is nonsense. I never thought rallies were fun, but surprisingly, people come from various places and talk, so it is enjoyable." Nam Mo (27), holding the 'Hamburger Lovers Club' flag, said, "I really like hamburgers. Every time I eat, I look for something delicious. My favorite brand is McDonald's. I designed and made it with my friends," and recalled, "At the time of martial law, I thought it was a lie. I was really unbearably anxious and scared." Kim Ye-won (22), who made the flag titled 'Becoming the Light of the Dark Sea,' said, "I took a phrase from a novel to make the flag. I thought it was exactly the right time," adding, "I thought the impeachment would happen last week, but it didn't, so I came out to shout myself. I hope South Korea guarantees liberal democracy."

Nammo is holding the flag of the 'Hamburger Love Club.' Photo by Seomsung Ah

Many men in their twenties also participated in the rally. Park Sang-hyun (20) said, "People in front of the National Assembly are united with one heart and one mind, looking toward the same place. It was nice to feel a sense of community after a long time," and said, "Watching the emergency martial law situation, I realized that authoritarianism has not completely disappeared. I thought this was really unacceptable." Jung Hyun-woo (24) said, "After the announcement of this martial law, whenever people gathered, we talked. I could feel that this is everyone's issue," and emphasized, "I hope a world comes where people can assert their rights without hesitation."

Working journalists held a 'Yoon Seok-yeol Impeachment Urging Pan-Media Resolution Rally' in front of the KBS main building in Yeouido that day, stating, "The National Assembly must pass the impeachment motion against Yoon Seok-yeol. All members of the National Assembly must participate in the impeachment vote," and "The anger of the people filling the streets must be resolved by implementing the constitution and laws inside the National Assembly. We will consider lawmakers who abstain from this impeachment vote as enemies of press freedom and democracy and will judge them together with the people."