Conservative group rallies are also held in the city center.
On the evening of the 7th, in front of the National Assembly building in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. When news broke that the impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol was rejected at the plenary session of the National Assembly as People Power Party lawmakers walked out, about 100,000 people (police estimate), including citizens, sighed in unison. They shouted, “Oh my gosh, this is ridiculous” and “Is this a country?” Slogans continued, “Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol for treason.”
● ‘Seoul Protest’ in downtown Seoul… Citizens shout “impeachment”
the ‘Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), the ‘Movement Headquarters for the Resignation of Passionist Yoon Seok’s Power’, gathered in front of the National Assembly building from 3 p.m. on this day and held a rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon. opened. The number of people at the rally increased with citizens from Seoul and all over the country,and at one point,the number rose to 107,000,according to police estimates. The organizers reported the number of people at the rally as 200,000, but citizens joined in the middle and the final number of organizers was not estimated.
Jeon Hee-yeon (19), a test taker from Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, attended the rally holding an English vocabulary book in her hand. Mr. Jeon, who came to Seoul by bus at 4 a.m., saeid, “I was never interested in politics, but my thoughts changed after seeing the president’s irresponsible behavior.” High school student Seong Mo (18), who had been at the rally since the morning, lamented, “I felt angry that the People Power Party changed its words without even participating in the vote,” and added, “I will participate in the rally until the impeachment.”
● Conservative groups hold ‘counter-protest’ at Gwanghwa Documents
Conversely, conservative groups such as the Liberty Unification Party, which opposes the impeachment of President Yoon, gathered at Gwanghwamun in Seoul and cheered. From 1 p.m., they occupied six lanes of each way on Sejong-daero in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu and held a counter-rally for the ‘national Rally to Eradicate Jusaists.’ When the news of the impeachment rejection came, the police estimated 19,000 members turned on their cell phones and shouted, “We won. “Pastor Kwang-Hoon Jeon won,” he celebrated.
Ahead of the passage of the impeachment bill,various incidents occurred one after another in front of the National Assembly.
At around 12:20 p.m., a man in his 50s was caught by the police near the headquarters of the National Assembly while spraying thinner on his head and attempting to set himself on fire. It is indeed reported that this man called 112 about 1 hour and 30 minutes before he was arrested and reported that he was going to set himself on fire at the National Assembly. At around 3:30 p.m.,a middle-aged man was arrested by the police for threatening candlelight vigil participants with a stationery compass.
Reporter Seo Ji-won wish@donga.com
Reporter Joo Hyun-woo woojoo@donga.com
Reporter Lee Sang-hwan payback@donga.com
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What factors contributed to the large turnout at the rally in Seoul demanding president yoon’s impeachment?
Interview: Time.news editor Meets Political Analyst on Recent Rally in seoul
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day! Thank you for joining us. Today, we’re diving into the massive rally that took place in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, where citizens demanded the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol. Can you give us some context about the events leading up to this gathering?
Expert (E): Thank you for having me! The rally on December 7th was notable not just in size but in sentiment. The rejection of the impeachment motion against President Yoon during a plenary session sparked intense frustration among the public. Citizens felt that their voices were being ignored, especially as the People Power Party lawmakers exited the session, effectively shutting down the vote.
TNE: Indeed, it was reported that around 100,000 people attended, tho organizers claimed there were as many as 200,000. What do you think this turnout indicates about the current political climate in South Korea?
E: It shows a profound level of discontent and mobilization within the populace. The chants and slogans—calling for impeachment and expressing feelings of betrayal—highlight a collective frustration with political leadership. This is a reflection of broader issues of accountability and governance in South Korea. the size of the rally indicates that these feelings are not localized; they resonate across various demographics and regions.
TNE: During the rally, slogans like “Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol for treason” were prevalent. How does this sort of rhetoric impact political dialogues moving forward?
E: Such strong rhetoric amplifies the urgency of the discourse around political accountability and reform. When people express sentiments traditionally reserved for extreme situations—like treason—it underscores how severe they perceive the issues at hand.This kind of rhetoric can polarize political conversations but also galvanizes action, prompting both supporters and detractors to clearly define their positions.
TNE: The involvement of organizations like the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions amplifies the narrative surrounding the rally. How significant is their endorsement in terms of labor movement influence?
E: The KCTU’s involvement is quiet significant. They represent a substantial segment of the working population and have historically played a pivotal role in political activism in South Korea.Their endorsement can unify various groups under a common cause, making the movement more formidable. It brings issues of social justice, economic rights, and governance into mainstream discussions, effectively bridging labor concerns with broader political accountability.
TNE: With public sentiment being so strong, what are the potential implications for President Yoon Seok-yeol’s administration?
E: This level of public dissatisfaction can lead to a few possible scenarios. In the immediate term, we might see increased pressure on the government to address the concerns raised during the rally. If the administration fails to acknowledge or act on these sentiments, it risks further unrest and possibly more organized protests. In the long term, this unrest can affect approval ratings, legislative effectiveness, and even the president’s legacy, should these concerns lead to broader calls for reform or change in leadership.
TNE: It seems like South Korea is at a crucial juncture politically. How can citizens effectively channel their voices into constructive change?
E: Engaging in the political process is key. This includes participating in protests to raise awareness, voting strategically during elections, and maintaining active dialogue with representatives. Establishing community organizations and making use of social media to unify their narratives can also help foster meaningful discussions about change, ultimately holding elected officials accountable to their constituents.
TNE: Thank you for your insights! The events in Seoul reflect a dynamic political landscape, and I appreciate you helping us navigate the current situation.
E: Thank you for having me! it’s essential to keep these discussions alive as they shape the future of governance in South Korea.