South Korea: Major Protests Set for Seoul Following Yoon's Release
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Synopsis
On March 9, 2023, massive gatherings in Seoul are expected as supporters and opponents of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol rally after his unexpected release from detention. Events include church services and marches, highlighting ongoing political tensions and public sentiment.
Key Takeaways
- Massive rallies planned in Seoul for March 9.
- Yoon Suk Yeol released from detention.
- Supporters and opponents will gather simultaneously.
- Public sentiment remains highly polarized.
- Emergency actions announced against Yoon's presidency.
Seoul, March 9 (NationPress) Hundreds of thousands of individuals are anticipated to converge in South Korea's capital, Seoul, on Sunday to demonstrate either in favor of or against the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, just one day following his unexpected release from custody.
As reported by the police, Sarang Jeil Church, led by the conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, is set to conduct an outdoor Sunday service close to the presidential residence in central Seoul at 11 a.m.
The conservative civic group Angry Blue is organizing a separate rally that will oppose Yoon's impeachment at Bosingak Pavilion at 1 p.m., followed by a march along Jongno 3-ga street, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Another opposing rally led by a group of activists demanding Yoon's immediate removal took place overnight just outside Seoul's Gyeongbok Palace. This group plans to hold a press conference outside the nearby government complex at 11 a.m. to announce a week of "emergency action" advocating for Yoon's ouster.
At 2 p.m., this group will march from the National Palace Museum, expecting a turnout of about 100,000 people, which will result in partial road closures in the vicinity.
Another rally is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Gwanghwamun.
Large rallies have been occurring for months since Yoon's brief imposition of martial law in December.
On Saturday, he was released from the detention center where he had been held since mid-January on charges of leading an insurrection after a court ruled his detention was invalid.
This incident follows a tragic event where a man, believed to support the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, was critically injured after setting himself on fire on Friday, as reported by the police.
The 79-year-old man, whose identity remains confidential, set himself ablaze on the rooftop of a building near Seoul City Hall around noon, according to police reports.
He was transported to a hospital and is currently in serious condition, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The man was found with printed materials condemning the opposition while voicing support for Yoon.
