"I Should Study Singing"... President Yoon's Address Effect? Rally Enthusiasm 'Blazing'

Beginner's Rally Guide, Impeachment Playlist Sharing
Impeachment Re-vote Yeouido Rally, Citizen Participation Flood

Following the public address on emergency martial law related to December 3 announced by President Yoon Seok-yeol on the 12th, public opinion is surging about attending the impeachment re-vote rally scheduled for this weekend. Online communities and group chat rooms are distributing materials such as a 'Beginner's Rally Guide' and an 'Impeachment Playlist,' which include rally checklists, locations of convenience facilities, and tips for participating in the rally.

According to internet communities on the 12th, enthusiasm for participating in the impeachment re-vote rally this weekend continues after President Yoon's public address. One netizen wrote, "I laughed out loud watching the public address. Even though the people are claiming the illegality of emergency martial law, it seems like he insists there is no wrongdoing to the very end." They added, "Last week, I watched the situation on TV and did not attend the rally, but this week I will attend the rally with my wife and children."

Another netizen said, "The address only fueled my determination to participate in the rally. It feels like he lives in a different world." They added, "I will continue attending rallies until President Yoon Seok-yeol is impeached."

On the 12th, citizens at the Seoul Station waiting room are watching the urgent statement announcement regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Those who attended the impeachment vote rally at National Assembly Station in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the 7th have been actively encouraging participation by creating and distributing files such as 'Guide for First-Time Rally Participants.' These files detailed preparations and attire to know before attending the rally, tips for attaching hand warmers, and strategies to prepare for arrest and detention.

Another file titled 'Candlelight Rally Guide' included a list of available restrooms near National Assembly Station where the rally is held, as well as lists of prepaid and sponsor restaurants. Notably, in portal site cafes and group chat rooms frequented by middle-aged and older participants, a 'K-POP Playlist to Know Before Attending the Rally' is reportedly being shared.

Housewife Go Woo-im (56), who attended the rally last weekend, said, "When I went to the rally, I saw young people excitedly waving light sticks to the music, and I thought I should study some songs for the next rally." She added, "This address clearly showed that the president has no intention of resigning voluntarily, so I think the enthusiasm for rallies urging impeachment will be even stronger this week."

Screenshot of the '2024 First Rally Participant Guide' shared online.

That morning, President Yoon held a public address regarding the emergency martial law situation, stating, "For the past two and a half years, the major opposition party has refused to acknowledge the president elected by the people and has not stopped inciting resignation and impeachment." He continued, "Due to the opposition party's parliamentary dictatorship and violence, national governance has been paralyzed, social order disrupted, and normal execution of administrative and judicial functions has become impossible." He then explained the background of declaring emergency martial law, saying, "There have been many more serious matters that I could not reveal directly until now, before making the grave decision of emergency martial law."

On the afternoon of the 11th, citizens attending the candlelight rally calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol, held in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, amid the ongoing aftermath of the emergency martial law, are shouting slogans. Photo by Yonhap News.

Experts believe that the president's address is likely to further intensify public calls for impeachment. Professor Jo Jin-man of Dongduk Women's University’s Department of Political Science said, "The president indicated his intention to follow judicial procedures through the address, but looking at the content, there seem to be many elements that could 'self-sabotage' in this regard. Moreover, it directly contradicts the previous statement of 'delegating to and following the party.'" He analyzed, "The social impact and conflicts on public opinion appear significant, and this week, citizens determined to pass impeachment will gather at National Assembly Station."

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