Final Rally for Yoon Impeachment Support and Opposition Across Seoul: "Immediate Removal" VS "Immediate Return"

Rallies Intensify Across Seoul
Ahead of Impeachment Verdict for President Yoon

On the 15th, ahead of the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Suk-yeol, rallies both urging impeachment and opposing it were held simultaneously across Seoul. Although the verdict date has not yet been set, with expectations that it is imminent, both sides appeared to be engaged in an all-out battle.

On this day, rallies opposing impeachment by supporters were held around Gwanghwamun and Yeouido in Seoul.

The Korea Straightening Movement Headquarters (Daegukbon), led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, held a "National Rally Against the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol" around Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu at 1 p.m. According to an unofficial police estimate at 2:30 p.m., 35,000 people gathered.

Yonhap News

All lanes on Sejong-daero from Donghwa Duty Free Shop to Daehanmun were closed, and participants held placards reading "Immediate Return of Yoon Suk-yeol," "Dissolution of the National Assembly," as well as Taegeukgi and the U.S. flag, chanting slogans such as "Impeachment Dismissed 8-0" and "President Yoon Suk-yeol."

Some supporters continued a sit-in protest in front of the Constitutional Court. Around 1:40 p.m., a man displayed books by former leader Han, leading to a clash with President Yoon’s supporters amid verbal insults and shoving.

Daegukbon and the Presidential National Defense Lawyers also held rallies near the Constitutional Court in the afternoon.

The conservative Protestant group Save Korea held a national emergency prayer meeting near the National Assembly Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu.

According to an unofficial police estimate, 3,500 people sang hymns and shouted slogans such as "We must protect the Republic of Korea from communists" and "Impeachment invalid."

On the other hand, a candlelight cultural event urging President Yoon’s dismissal was held in front of Exit 1 of Anguk Station in Jongno-gu, near the Constitutional Court.

About 2,000 participants (unofficial police estimate) shouted slogans like "Constitutional Court, dismiss Yoon Suk-yeol immediately" and "Completely suppress the internal rebellion forces." Kim Min-ung, the permanent representative of the Candlelight Action, said, "Some people believe that Yoon Suk-yeol can return if things go well and act violently, but it is useless," adding, "It is obvious to anyone that Yoon Suk-yeol’s dismissal is certain."

From 3 p.m., a joint emergency national rally by five opposition parties was held in front of Dongsipjagak in Gwanghwamun, gathering about 5,000 people according to an unofficial police estimate. Opposition lawmakers who marched on foot from the National Assembly to the Government Seoul Office in Gwanghwamun also attended.

From 4 p.m., the Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol and Social Reform (Emergency Action) rally was held at the same location.

Near Jonggak Station and Myeongdong, from 1:30 p.m., the Construction Industry Federation, Public Transport Union, Metal Workers’ Union, and Service Federation each held rallies demanding stronger workers’ rights and President Yoon’s impeachment.

They joined the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ nationwide workers’ rally held in front of Euljiro 1-ga Station around 3 p.m. Approximately 13,000 people gathered there, according to an unofficial police estimate.

Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, who took the stage, emphasized, "We already know very well why Yoon Suk-yeol must be dismissed," adding, "Right now, as he walks out of the detention center smiling, is the time to lead the struggle most actively."