Rival rallies erupt in South Korea over President Yoon’s impeachment

As the nation’s Constitutional Court decides whether to dismiss President Yoon Suk Yeol, hundreds of thousands of South Koreans mobilized to support and oppose him.

Despite the cold weather, rival protesters crowded the main streets of Seoul on Saturday, despite the cold weather, waving flags and carrying political signs.

Yoon has been removed from office since the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly impeached him for his December 3 martial law decree, which sparked racial unrest in the nation.

He will be decided by the Constitutional Court whether to officially dismiss or reinstate him. Within two months, he will be replaced by an election to replace him.

The wait has only encouraged rival camps to take to the streets on weekends in greater numbers.

Lee Han-sol, who was protesting Yoon’s dismissal, told the AFP news agency, “The people are overwhelmed with fatigue and frustration.” “There is becoming more and more skeptical about the ongoing delays.”

However, Yoon supporters told AFP that the trial for impeachment is unlawful because their members include prominent religious figures and right-wing YouTubers.

“We won’t be able to ignore the Constitutional Court,” the statement states. There are so many of us present, Lee Hye-sook, 58, said.

Former prosecutor Yoon was detained in a dawn raid in January on suspicion of insurrection, but he was freed on administrative grounds in early March. He has consistently exhibited defiance and attributed a “malicious” opposition.

According to a Gallup Korea poll conducted earlier this month, 58 percent of respondents backed Yoon’s removal.

trial for impeachment

Yoon’s impeachment case had 180 days to render a ruling, giving the Constitutional Court until June to decide his fate.

It typically makes its decisions within weeks for previous presidential impeachment cases, but it has sometimes taken longer to resolve Yoon’s case without giving a justification.

To remove Yoon, at least six of the court’s eight justices must cast a ballot.

If Yoon’s impeachment is upheld, South Korea will hold a snap election in 60 days.