Pro- and Anti-Impeachment Rallies Continue Across the City Over the Weekend
Messages of 'Acceptance' Exchanged, but Both Sides "Doubt Sincerity"
Experts Say, "Effect of Easing Conflict Is Diminished... Joint Statement Needed"
As President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial verdict is expected this week, concerns are rising that even if the verdict is announced, some may distrust the outcome amid ongoing political polarization. With the possibility of a second West District Court riot scenario looming, politicians from both ruling and opposition parties have come forward with messages of 'acceptance' to put out the urgent fire, but their effectiveness is diminished by mutual doubts over each other's 'sincerity.'
Last weekend, various parts of downtown areas such as Gwanghwamun and Yeouido were filled with citizens and politicians anticipating the final weekend rallies before President Yoon's impeachment trial verdict. Members of the Democratic Party marched approximately 9 km from the National Assembly in Yeouido to Gwanghwamun alongside citizens for the fifth consecutive day until the day before. On the same day, the progressive civic group 'Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol and Social Reform' held a pro-impeachment rally in front of Dongsipjagak in Gwanghwamun. The Korea Right Restoration Movement Headquarters (Daegukbon), led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon, held an anti-impeachment rally in Gwanghwamun on the 15th.
As tensions heightened around the impeachment issue, politicians from both ruling and opposition parties have been issuing messages pledging to accept the verdict. On the 16th, Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated, "Our party's official position is to accept the Constitutional Court's decision," while Kwon Young-se, emergency committee chairman of the People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, also expressed their intention to accept the court's verdict.
However, the ongoing war of nerves between the ruling and opposition parties over the 'sincerity of acceptance' has led to assessments that the effect of easing divisions is being undermined. On the 17th, Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the party's supreme council meeting, "Floor Leader Kwon announced that he would accept the Constitutional Court's decision," adding, "I hope he shows sincerity through actions, not just words." The previous day, Floor Leader Kwon expressed skepticism, saying, "When reports of possible dismissal emerged during former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, Leader Lee expressed disagreement and showed intent not to accept it," and questioned the sincerity of Lee's acceptance regarding this case.
Some voices express concern that conflicts may not be resolved even after the impeachment trial. Former lawmaker Kim Doo-kwan wrote on his Facebook, "Those advocating for impeachment approval worry that if the Constitutional Court dismisses the case, the future of the Republic of Korea will be damaged, while those advocating for dismissal say they cannot accept Leader Lee even if he wins the early presidential election held after removal," suggesting that the leaders of both parties should hold a joint press conference.
Professor Shin Yul of Myongji University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "Doubting the sincerity of the opposing camp's acceptance messages diminishes the effectiveness of the acceptance messages issued by each camp," adding, "Such behavior may rather fuel factional logic." Professor Shin added, "If meeting face-to-face is awkward (to reconcile national division), they can issue a joint statement. Of course, it may have no effect on hardliners, but many will accept it."
Professor Ha Sang-eung of Sogang University's Department of Political Science and Diplomacy said, "More important than the ruling and opposition parties is President Yoon's acceptance message," adding, "If he does not speak directly, his supporters will not believe the political circles' acceptance messages." However, Professor Ha also emphasized that "it is important for politicians not to provoke tensions" to prevent national division.
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