Pro- and Anti-Impeachment Groups Gather in Front of Constitutional Court Ahead of Verdict
Gas Mask Protesters and "Yoon Curse Dolls" Appear
The tension in front of the Constitutional Court, where the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Seok-yeol is to be delivered on the 4th, the fateful day for the president, is reaching its peak. While the police are making thorough preparations in case of any violent incidents after the verdict, participants in pro- and anti-impeachment rallies gathered nearby raised protest props reminiscent of violence, such as curse dolls, causing frowns.
Participants of pro- and anti-impeachment rallies gathered in front of the Constitutional Court on the morning of the 4th, as the impeachment trial verdict for President Yoon Seok-yeol approaches. Photo by Yonhap News
Near the Cheondogyo Suun Hall in Jongno-gu, where an all-night rally against impeachment has been held since the previous day, several young men wearing helmets and gas masks were noticeable. They wore protective gear on their torsos and arms and had Taegeukgi armbands. Spray cans, presumed to be for self-defense, were also seen in the backpacks they carried.
At the Anguk-dong intersection nearby, where all-night rallies by pro-impeachment groups took place, 'curse dolls' appeared, which have the face or name of a person one wishes to curse and a large nail driven into the 'blood spot.' Some rally participants had curse dolls tied to their hats, with photos of President Yoon Seok-yeol and Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, along with 'impeachment wish talismans' attached. The dolls had several nails driven into them, and papers with phrases targeting President Yoon were also visible on the bodies.
The impeachment trial verdict is scheduled for 11 a.m. that day. The police have issued a high alert and plan to completely control the area around the Constitutional Court. Anguk Station is passing through without stopping, and nearby elementary, middle, and high schools have prevented students from attending school.
Meanwhile, President Yoon will not attend the Constitutional Court’s grand trial chamber where the impeachment verdict is delivered but will watch the live broadcast of the verdict process on TV from his residence in Hannam-dong. The presidential office staff and employees also plan to watch the live broadcast on TV. A presidential office official said, "The tension within the presidential office is higher than ever."
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