Pro- and Anti-Yoon Impeachment Rallies Across Seoul... Gwanghwamun Square Divided into Two Sections

by Lee Jieun

Published 28 Dec.2024 17:42(KST)

Updated 30 Dec.2024 09:16(KST)

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Amid the aftermath of the '12·3 Emergency Martial Law' incident, on the last weekend of the year, the 28th, simultaneous rallies both supporting and opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol were held across Seoul.

The Citizens' Coalition Candlelight Action held the 121st candlelight cultural festival around 2 p.m. near Anguk Station in Jongno-gu, Seoul, calling for the dismissal of President Yoon Seok-yeol and the dissolution of the People Power Party.

The organizers estimated the number of participants at around 50,000. They participated in the rally holding placards with slogans such as "Arrest and Detain Traitor Yoon Seok-yeol." After the rally, the Candlelight Action began marching toward Gwanghwamun around 3:40 p.m.

On the 28th, the "Anti-Jusapa! Gwanghwamun National Revolution Rally to Protect Liberal Democracy," hosted by the Korea Restoration National Movement Headquarters, is being held in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

The 'Emergency Action for Yoon Seok-yeol's Resignation,' led mainly by civic groups, held a rally at Dongsipjagak in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, from 4 p.m. the same day, urging President Yoon to step down. The organizers expected about 50,000 citizens to participate.

Participants shouted slogans such as "Dismiss and Detain Yoon Seok-yeol," demanding impeachment. After the rally, they planned to march along roads near Jonggak and Namdaemun to Myeongdong Station.

On the same day, a counter-rally opposing President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment was held around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. The Korea Righting Movement Headquarters (Daegukbon) and the Liberty Unification Party held an anti-impeachment rally near Sejong-daero in Jongno-gu from 1 p.m. The organizers estimated about 20,000 participants. They also announced plans to march toward Daehanmun after the rally.