Protesters hold placards reading “Arrest Insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol!” during a demonstration calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol near the presidential residence in Seoul on December 17, 2024. (Photo by Jung Yeon-Je / AFP)
Following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024, South Korea has experienced significant public unrest, with numerous citizens participating in rallies demanding his arrest and impeachment.
Public Demonstrations:
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Mass Protests: Tens of thousands of South Koreans have taken to the streets in various cities, including Seoul, expressing their dissent against President Yoon’s actions. These protests have been marked by candlelight vigils, a traditional symbol of peaceful protest in South Korea.
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Calls for Accountability: Protesters are demanding not only President Yoon’s impeachment but also his arrest, accusing him of violating democratic principles and overstepping constitutional boundaries by declaring martial law without proper justification.
Legal Proceedings:
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Impeachment Process: The National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon on December 14, 2024. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the impeachment, with a decision expected within six months. During this period, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as acting president.
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Investigations: Law enforcement agencies have initiated investigations into President Yoon’s declaration of martial law. Notably, former Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun, who was arrested in connection with the martial law declaration, attempted suicide while in custody, highlighting the intense pressure surrounding the situation.
Government Response:
- Police Actions: South Korean police have conducted searches of presidential offices as part of their investigation into the martial law declaration. These actions underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations against President Yoon.
Public Sentiment:
- Deep Divisions: The situation has led to a polarized society, with significant portions of the population either supporting or opposing President Yoon. This division is evident in the scale and intensity of the protests, as well as in the political discourse across various media platforms.
The unfolding events in South Korea reflect a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic processes, with the outcome of the impeachment proceedings poised to have lasting implications on the country’s political landscape.
President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, 2024, following his brief imposition of martial law on December 3, 2024.
The impeachment process is currently underway, with the Constitutional Court reviewing the case to determine whether to uphold the impeachment and formally remove him from office.
During this period, President Yoon’s powers are suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as the acting president.
Supporter’s rally
In the wake of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment on December 14, 2024, South Korea has witnessed significant public demonstrations from both supporters and opponents of the president.
Supporters of President Yoon:
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Rallies in Seoul: Approximately 40,000 supporters gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, expressing their opposition to the impeachment and labeling the vote as “invalid.”
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Right-Wing Media Influence: President Yoon has garnered substantial backing from right-wing YouTube channels, which have been instrumental in mobilizing support and disseminating pro-Yoon narratives. These platforms have played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion among conservative circles.Â
- Supporters rally against impeachment and arrest opposition Democratic party leader Lee Jae Myung.
