[Report] "Presidential Impeachment Must Naturally Pass"... Citizens Fill the Area in Front of the National Assembly

Tensions Rise Ahead of Impeachment Vote
Calls Grow for People Power Party to Join
If Rejected, Will Attend Protests Until the End

"The impeachment motion should obviously be passed."

Citizens are demanding the resignation of President Yoon Seok-yeol in front of the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yeom Da-yeon

On the afternoon of the 7th, Choi (51), whom we met in front of the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, said, "I also participated in the Park Geun-hye impeachment rally, but I never thought I would have to come out to the streets again on such a cold day," adding, "If the impeachment motion is rejected, I will come out in front of the National Assembly every week and shout for impeachment." Noh Young-min (53) said, "When the martial law was declared, I only thought about going straight to the National Assembly. Today, I came with the belief that President Yoon must step down," and added, "If the impeachment motion is rejected, I will attend again and again."

Currently, the area from National Assembly-daero to Yeouido Park is filled with citizens. Although a crowd like a cloud gathered, the procession was orderly, and everyone was finding their places. The rally organizers reported to the police that 200,000 people would gather. All attendees, armed with thick coats, scarves, and earmuffs, shouted in unison, "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol." Choi Hyun-mi (51) said, "I couldn't contain my anger at home, so I came to the rally today with my husband." Heo (28), who lives in Mapo-gu, Seoul, said, "I work at a magazine company, and upon hearing about the martial law, I was afraid that censorship might come in the future, and I think it's absurd."

The citizens demanded the participation of People Power Party lawmakers. Nam Il-kwon (45), who lives in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi Province, emphasized, "I believe People Power Party lawmakers will act for the country, not for their own benefit, but even if the motion is rejected, we will fight until the powers of the incompetent president are suspended." Lee Seo-yeon (32), residing in Mapo-gu, Seoul, said, "It might still be difficult to clearly express their intentions to the media, but I believe there are ruling party lawmakers who will vote correctly for the greater good," and urged, "As a parent raising young children, please exercise your will to create a country where children can live safely and happily."

There were also people who participated in the rally as families. Lee Ae-ri-ja (41) from Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi Province, explained, "When I first heard the news, I thought it was fake news, but when I heard the sound of helicopters flying around, the children cried," adding, "So my family and I all participated in the rally." Kim Min-kyung (10), a 4th grader in elementary school, said, "I think President Yoon's declaration of martial law is treason, so he should be impeached."

Citizens are participating in a candlelight vigil in front of the National Assembly building in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yeom Dayeon

Students from 31 universities nationwide held a declaration of the current situation in front of the Industrial Bank of Korea in Yeouido in the afternoon, holding placards with phrases such as "University students, let's protect democracy," "Disband the People Power Party, accomplices of treason," and "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol, the mastermind of treason." The declaration included participation from students of 31 universities including Catholic University, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University, Kookmin University, Kyungpook National University, Korea University, Dongguk University, Pusan National University, Seoul National University of Education, Sookmyung Women's University, Ewha Womans University, Ajou University, Incheon National University, Jeju National University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University, and Hongik University.

Jung Ha-neul, a student at Gyeongsang National University, criticized, "They have crossed the line thoroughly," adding, "It will not end with a graceful resignation." Kim Sang-cheon, a student at Kyungpook National University, said, "When martial law was declared, I painfully realized that the political indifference of university students and youth was not something to be proud of but a shameful weakness," and urged, "Let's act for a better tomorrow." Hong Ye-rin, a student at Dongguk University, said, "I firmly believe the people will win," adding, "Yoon Seok-yeol has failed. Now, only impeachment remains."

The National Assembly will hold a plenary session at 5 p.m. today to re-vote on the special investigation law for Mrs. Kim Geon-hee and then vote on the presidential impeachment motion. The People Power Party has taken an official stance opposing it. Earlier, President Yoon apologized for the martial law situation in a national address and stated, "I will leave the issue of my term and future political stability measures to our party."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.