[Report] National Assembly Boulevard Heats Up with Rally Crowds... National Assembly Main Building Frozen Ahead of Vote

Citizens Gathering Singing Idol Songs
National Assembly Under Access Control Amid Silence
Ruling Party Holds Lawmakers' Meeting, Opposition Conducts Fact-Finding Team Meeting
Tension Rises Ahead of Main Building and Plenary Session

"Make a wish!", "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol!"

On the 14th, around 1:30 PM, ahead of the second impeachment vote against President Yoon Seok-yeol, the area in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, was filled with crowds. Citizens chanting "Impeach Yoon Seok-yeol" in rhythm with Girls' Generation's song "Make a Wish" gathered one after another in front of the stage set up by the civic group 'Pan-National Candlelight March' as they exited the National Assembly Station, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a concert. At nearby cafes around the National Assembly, opposition politicians and some celebrities who had prepaid were serving coffee to citizens lined up.

On the 14th, ahead of the second impeachment vote against President Yoon Seok-yeol, participants from the National Farmers' Association carried a coffin-shaped sculpture and passed in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, during a rally urging impeachment. Photo by Heo Young-han

On the afternoon of the 14th, when the second impeachment vote against President Yoon Seok-yeol was held, citizens gathered near the impeachment rally stage installed in front of the main gate of the National Assembly building. Photo by Lee Ki-min

On the 14th, ahead of the vote on the second impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol, politicians and celebrities near Gukhoeuisadang Station lined up at a prepaid cafe to order coffee / Photo by Reader Provided

Unlike the heated atmosphere outside the National Assembly, the mood changes abruptly to coldness and solemnity once passing through the main gate. Ahead of the impeachment vote, numerous police officers and buses are stationed to ensure the safety of citizens and the National Assembly. The outer gates 1 and 2 are closed, allowing passage only to those with access cards. Outer gate 3 is half-open, permitting vehicle and pedestrian access only to those with access cards or clear reasons for entry. The revolving gates 4, 5, and 6 allow entry only to personnel with access cards, while gate 7 is completely closed.

Passing through the main gate, the Democratic Party of Korea has been holding an emergency sit-in protest for seven days at the protest site. Outdoor studios of various broadcasters and mobile radio studio vehicles are busily moving for live broadcasts. In the Members' Office Building, some aides are seen hurrying toward the main building. At the National Assembly Communication Center, which houses the press room, auditorium, and convenience facilities, reporters and some civilians move busily with solemn expressions. It is also known that only guests with invitations can enter the wedding ceremony held in the auditorium of the Communication Center that day.

Yonhap News

A cold atmosphere also pervades the National Assembly main building where the vote is to take place. Kim Sang-wook, a People Power Party lawmaker who has expressed support for impeachment, has been holding a one-person protest in front of the Jeonghyeon Hall of the main building since the morning, urging support for the impeachment motion until the vote begins at 4 PM. In the first vote held on the 7th, the impeachment motion was discarded due to a lack of quorum as 105 People Power Party lawmakers were absent. Because of this, the press is stationed in front of the Budget and Accounts Committee meeting room where the People Power Party caucus is held, attentively listening to every word from the lawmakers.

Unlike the previous week's vote, Democratic Party officials and aides have decided not to hold picket protests in front of the plenary session hall. Given the importance of People Power Party lawmakers' participation in the vote, they seem concerned that provoking them might increase the number of lawmakers who abstain or vote against impeachment. After a closed-door Supreme Council meeting, floor leader Park Chan-dae told reporters, when asked about the vote outlook, "Every single vote is desperately needed," adding, "We have internally checked the votes and discussed the content, but we are cautious. We are hopeful."

Kwon Seong-dong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is attending an emergency members' meeting held at the National Assembly on the 14th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Currently, the People Power Party caucus is being held behind closed doors, but it is reported that heated debates are taking place regarding changes to the party's opposition stance. Kang Myung-gu, a lawmaker who served as the Presidential Office's Secretary for National Planning, posted on his Facebook at 1:51 PM during the caucus, "I will enter the National Assembly plenary session at 4 PM today and vote against the presidential impeachment motion," stating, "Amidst a flood of fake news and one-sided claims about the president's martial law declaration, I cannot agree with the impeachment motion that recklessly labels the martial law measures stipulated in Article 77 of the Constitution as treason." Lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun has also expressed opposition to President Yoon's impeachment on Facebook.

On the other hand, lawmaker Cho Kyung-tae told reporters that day, "It seems there will be more dissenting votes within the ruling party than expected. Regardless of the party's official stance, individual lawmakers must vote according to their conscience as constitutional institutions," urging support for the impeachment vote, adding, "We must not become a 'burden to the people'." Floor leader Kwon Seong-dong, leaving the caucus room around 2:05 PM, said, "Debates are still ongoing. There are many speakers. We plan to continue discussions and finalize the party stance by around 3:30 PM, or at the latest by 3:40-3:50 PM," adding, "It does not seem that the opposition stance will change."

The Democratic Party began envisioning the post-impeachment scenario by holding the first meeting of the 'Yoon Seok-yeol Martial Law Truth Investigation Team' that day. The investigation team consists of Democratic Party lawmakers including leader Chu Mi-ae, deputy leaders Park Beom-gye and Seo Young-kyo, secretaries Lee So-young and Park Seon-won, lawmakers Lee Sang-sik and Lee Geon-tae, and investigators Bu Seung-chan and Yang Bu-nam. Leader Chu stated, "December 14 will be the day the rebellion ends," adding, "We must promptly uncover the truth and root out the rebel forces."

Citizens are gathering in front of the National Assembly on the afternoon of the 14th, when the vote on the second impeachment motion against President Yoon Seok-yeol is taking place. Photo by Lee Ki-min

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