"Gwangju Citizens Take to the Streets Over the Weekend Demanding Immediate Arrest of Yoon"

1,500 Gather at May 18 Democracy Square
Emergency Action Shares Hot Packs and Garaetteok
"Hope for Democracy to Stand Firm Through Regime Resignation"

Participants shout slogans at the 8th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally held by the Gwangju Emergency Action for the Immediate Resignation of the Yoon Seokyeol Regime and Social Reform, a coalition of 175 organizations, at the 5.18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju. According to the organizers, about 1,500 people participated in the rally. Photo by Min Chanki

On the 28th, the day after the impeachment motion against Acting President Han Ducksoo was passed, Gwangju citizens took to the streets to participate in a rally demanding the immediate arrest and detention of President Yoon Sukyeol.

On this day, Gwangju Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of the Yoon Sukyeol Administration and Social Reform, a coalition of 175 organizations, held the 8th Gwangju Citizens' General Rally at the May 18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju. According to the organizers, about 1,500 people from political circles, labor unions, and civic groups participated in the rally.

The event featured free speeches by citizens criticizing the current political situation and dance performances. After the event, participants marched from Democracy Square to the Asia Culture Center.

Citizens, bundled up in scarves, masks, and gloves, held placards reading "Disband the People Power Party Immediately" and "Impeach and Arrest Yoon Sukyeol," chanting slogans.

Following the emcee's lead, participants repeatedly shouted, "Immediately arrest and detain Yoon Sukyeol, the ringleader of rebellion!", "You are also a traitor. Dismiss Han Ducksoo and detain him immediately," and "Disband the People Power Party, the forces complicit in rebellion, at once!" while waving placards and cheering sticks.

The Gwangju Emergency Action for the Immediate Resignation of the Yoon Seokyeol Administration and Social Reform is setting up booths near the 5.18 Democracy Square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, distributing hot packs to citizens. Photo by Min Chanki

On this day, the Emergency Action set up booths nearby for citizens in the square, distributing hot packs, Garaetteok, and warm tea.

At one of the booths, people could make placards featuring caricatures of President Yoon themselves.

Park Heeyeon (41, female), who visited the rally site with her 10-year-old child, said, "I'm too busy to participate in rallies during the week, but I wanted to be part of this historic action by Gwangju citizens, so I brought my child on the weekend," adding, "I hope the current administration, which trampled on the Constitution with martial law, will step down as soon as possible so that democracy can be restored."