South Korea: Massive Demonstrations Outside Busan Lawmaker's Office Calling for Yoon's Removal

Busan, Dec 28 (NationPress) A significant number of individuals in South Korea assembled outside the office of ruling party member Park Soo-young on Saturday, demanding the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his fleeting enforcement of martial law.

The protest commenced around 11 a.m., initiated by approximately 30 individuals who proceeded to Park's office in the southeastern city of Busan, urging him to clarify his stance on Yoon's alleged 'insurrection.'

Park, who oversees the Busan chapter of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), was in a weekly meeting at his office with civil petitioners at that time.

As the crowd of demonstrators swelled, police were summoned to the scene, resulting in a standoff that began around noon and continued until shortly after 8 p.m.

Rally organizers claimed that around 5,000 individuals were present, whereas Park's office estimated the turnout at approximately 1,700, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

The standoff concluded with a discussion between rally leaders and Park.

“The use of physical force and violence to coerce and intimidate parliamentary activities must cease immediately,” stated Park Soo-min, a spokesperson for the PPP.

“We will seek accountability from those who exploited the citizens of Busan for political ends.”

Earlier that day, tens of thousands also gathered in downtown Seoul to demonstrate either in support of or against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his brief declaration of martial law.

Police assessed that 35,000 individuals participated in anti-Yoon protests near Gyeongbok Palace by 5:10 p.m., although organizers claimed the figure exceeded 500,000.

K-pop music resonated through loudspeakers as protesters, clad in warm winter attire, waved light sticks and chanted, “Immediately arrest Yoon Suk Yeol.”

Some urged the Constitutional Court to remove him from office, while others called for the dissolution of Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP).

Lee Jae-Myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, was reported to have visited the protest site.

Just 1 km away, near Gwanghwamun Station, supporters of Yoon held their own rally.

“Impeachment is invalid,” read a sign held by a protester. “Arrest Lee Jae-myung,” another sign stated.

PPP member Yoon Sang-hyun addressed the supporters from the stage.

“We failed to prevent the impeachment motion against our own party President. I apologize to our honorable patriotic citizens,” he stated before bowing on his knees.

Police reported that around 35,000 individuals gathered at the rally by 5:10 p.m., while organizers claimed the number was closer to 300,000.