Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans demonstrated both for and against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol in central Seoul as the Constitutional Court considers his political fate.
Main thoroughfares through downtown Seoul were packed with opposing protesters carrying political signs and flags despite cold weather conditions. The demonstrations highlight the deepening political divide in the country.
President Yoon has been suspended from office since his impeachment by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly over his December 3 martial law decree, which has thrown the country into political upheaval. The Constitutional Court is now deliberating whether to formally dismiss him or restore him to power.
If removed from office, a presidential election would be held within two months to select his replacement. The ongoing uncertainty has fueled larger weekend protests from both sides.
“The people are overwhelmed with fatigue and frustration as… the ongoing crises remain unresolved,” said Lee Han-sol, a protester supporting Yoon’s dismissal, in comments to AFP. “The ongoing delays have led to a growing sense of skepticism.”
Meanwhile, Yoon supporters, whose ranks include right-wing YouTubers and religious figures, defended the president. “The Constitutional Court won’t be able to ignore us. Look at us, there are so many of us here,” 58-year-old supporter Lee Hye-sook told AFP, arguing that the impeachment trial is unlawful.
Yoon, who previously served as a prosecutor, was detained during a January dawn raid on insurrection charges but was released in early March due to procedural issues. Throughout the process, he has remained defiant, blaming what he calls a “malicious” opposition.
A recent Gallup Korea poll showed 58 percent of respondents supporting Yoon’s removal from office.
The Constitutional Court has 180 days from when it accepted Yoon’s impeachment case to issue a ruling, giving it until June to decide. While the court typically delivers rulings within weeks for presidential impeachment cases, it has taken longer with Yoon’s case without explaining why.
At least six of the court’s eight justices must vote to remove Yoon from office. If the court upholds his impeachment, South Korea will hold a snap election within 60 days.
Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, is considered the leading contender for any upcoming presidential election, though he faces legal challenges of his own.
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