In freezing temperatures, tens of thousands of South Koreans gathered to express their support for or opposition to the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
On February 8, the South Korean police estimated that around 35,000 people participated in a pro-Yoon Suk-yeol rally in the capital, Seoul, carrying banners with slogans such as “Impeachment Invalid” and “Free President Yoon.”
“When warm spring arrives, we will warmly welcome President Yoon and patriotic citizens in this beautiful square. Don’t give up and fight for a hopeful day,” stated Yoon Sang-hyun, a member of the ruling People Power Party (PPP).
About 100 supporters gathered outside the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, where Mr. Yoon is being held, chanting “Free President Yoon.”
Another rally took place at Dongdaegu Station square, the gateway to the city of Daegu, around 2 PM. Police estimated that approximately 52,000 people attended this event, quadrupling the number at a previous protest in Busan on February 1.
Jeon Han-gil, a Korean history lecturer who joined the protest, accused the opposition Democratic Party (DP) of attempting to impeach an elected president, paralyzing the executive branch and the national institution. He also labeled the DP as the “main perpetrator of civil conflict.”
Support for President Yoon continued to be evident at various locations despite the frigid temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius.
Supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol protesting at Dongdaegu Station on February 8. Photo: Yonhap
In addition to the pro-Yoon events, numerous demonstrations calling for his impeachment were held across the country.
One protest took place at a square in Dong-gu, Gwangju, attended by approximately 170 civic groups and local residents on the afternoon of February 8. Hundreds have gathered in Gwangju every Saturday since President Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, to demand his impeachment.
In Busan, protesters claimed that “the civil conflict caused by the illegal martial law continues and has turned the country into chaos,” consistently calling for the impeachment of Yoon Seok-yeol as soon as possible.
Protesters demanding the impeachment and removal of President Yoon in Seoul, South Korea on February 8. Photo: Reuters
President Yoon, stripped of his powers following the impeachment vote by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, was arrested at his residence in Seoul on January 15 after repeatedly refusing to comply with summons for questioning. He is currently facing investigations into allegations of treason and abuse of power related to his declaration of martial law and is being held in Seoul prison during this process.
On February 6, President Yoon appeared at a Constitutional Court hearing, where the court is reviewing the impeachment resolution passed by the South Korean National Assembly. The President asserted that “the trial has been distorted” to serve the purpose of his removal.
If the court agrees with the impeachment resolution, President Yoon will be removed from office, and South Korea will need to hold a presidential election within 60 days. If he is not impeached, he will be reinstated.