Synopsis
Tens of thousands of South Koreans are set to rally in central Seoul this weekend regarding President Yoon Suk Yeol as the Constitutional Court's ruling on his impeachment approaches. Opponents and supporters will both hold demonstrations, intensifying the political atmosphere in the country.Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands expected in Seoul for rallies.
- Opponents to rally near Gyeongbok Palace.
- Supporters will gather in various locations.
- Police to deploy 230 officers for traffic control.
- Traffic congestion expected due to marathon.
Seoul, March 14 (NationPress) Tens of thousands of South Koreans are anticipated to converge in central Seoul this weekend to demonstrate either in support of or against President Yoon Suk Yeol, as police reported on Friday, with the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the president's impeachment seemingly approaching.
Opponents of Yoon are set to gather just outside Gyeongbok Palace in central Seoul on Saturday afternoon, aiming to intensify pressure on the court to rule in favor of his removal, as per the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Following the rally, they intend to march towards the Biwon intersection near the Constitutional Court.
Simultaneously, rallies spearheaded by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon along with the conservative Christian organization Save Korea will occur on a road between Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall, and in Yeouido in western Seoul, opposing Yoon's impeachment.
Many observers predict that the court may announce its verdict on Yoon's impeachment as early as next week.
The police have stated that approximately 230 traffic officers will be deployed around the rally and march locations to minimize disruption to the public.
Additionally, traffic is expected to be heavy in the downtown area on Sunday due to an international marathon, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The 2025 Seoul Marathon, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Korea Athletics Federation, and the Dong-A Ilbo newspaper, will take place across the city on that day, with sequential traffic control from Gwanghwamun Square to the Seoul Sports Complex in southern Seoul, according to the police agency.
Earlier in the day, South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged the National Assembly to reassess an opposition-led proposal advocating for a special counsel investigation into President Yoon Suk Yeol regarding an alleged influence-peddling scandal related to the 2022 parliamentary by-elections.
This bill, which was approved by the Democratic Party (DP)-led parliament on February 27, seeks to investigate claims that Myung Tae-kyun, a self-identified power broker, received approximately 76 million won (US$52,300) from former ruling party legislator Kim Young-sun in exchange for aiding her nomination in the by-elections.
