Massive Protests Erupt in Seoul Following Impeached President Yoon's Release

Synopsis

On March 9, tens of thousands gathered in Seoul to rally for or against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol following his unexpected release from detention. The protests included various groups, highlighting the political divide in South Korea.

Key Takeaways

Tens of thousands rallied in Seoul for or against Yoon Suk Yeol.
Yoon was released from detention after a court ruling.
Protests included calls for impeachment and resignation of officials.
Political tensions escalate in South Korea.
Major opposition parties are demanding accountability from prosecutors.

Seoul, March 9 (NationPress) Tens of thousands rallied in South Korea's capital, Seoul, on Sunday, voicing their support or opposition for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol just a day after his unexpected release from detention.

The Sarang Jeil Church, led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, organized an outdoor service close to the presidential residence in central Seoul. By noon, an unofficial police estimate indicated that approximately 4,500 individuals had gathered, according to the Yonhap news agency.

“With President Yoon’s release, the impeachment trial has lost its significance. It’s done,” Jeon stated. “If the Constitutional Court makes an unusual decision, we will assert the people's right to resist and remove them decisively.”

On Saturday, Yoon was released from the detention facility where he had been since mid-January due to a failed martial law attempt in December, following a court ruling that deemed his detention unlawful.

Despite his release, Yoon still faces trial for allegedly instigating an insurrection and is awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision on whether to uphold or dismiss his impeachment.

The conservative civic group Angry Blue planned a separate demonstration opposing Yoon's impeachment at Bosingak Pavilion at 1 p.m., followed by a march along Jongno 3-ga street.

Meanwhile, an opposing rally demanding Yoon’s immediate ousting occurred overnight just outside of Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace. Activists announced a week of “emergency action” calling for Yoon’s removal from office.

At 2 p.m., the group will commence a march from the National Palace Museum, with reported attendance of approximately 100,000, leading to partial road closures in the vicinity.

At 7 p.m., another rally is scheduled in Gwanghwamun.

Simultaneously, the main opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), demanded the immediate resignation of Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung for his role in Yoon’s release following the court ruling.

The party warned of all possible actions, including impeachment, if the top prosecutor does not comply.

“The Democratic Party will promptly file a complaint against Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung,” said floor leader Park Chan-dae after an emergency meeting of lawmakers. “Prosecutor General Shim released Yoon Suk Yeol, the alleged leader of an insurrection, after voluntarily forfeiting the chance to appeal the court’s decision and to seek a higher court ruling.”

Later, the DP, along with four minor opposition parties—the Rebuilding Korea Party, Jinbo Party, Basic Income Party, and Social Democratic Party—agreed in a leaders' meeting to jointly demand Shim's resignation and pursue impeachment if he fails to step down.

The five parties also resolved to file a complaint against Shim with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.

The ruling People Power Party intensified its calls for the Constitutional Court to reject Yoon’s impeachment and reinstate him.

“The Constitutional Court should be aware that it will face considerable backlash if it hastily removes the president and he is later acquitted of insurrection charges,” stated a party spokesperson.