Seoul protests demand Yoon's impeachment

Thousands of demonstrators in Seoul braved the cold once more to demand South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol be impeached, saying it was not enough to just apologize for trying to impose martial law last week.

Yoon survived an impeachment vote in parliament after his botched attempt at imposing martial law last Tuesday and tens of thousands of South Koreans then rallied to demand his resignation.

The Korea Confederation of Trade Unions, who led the protest, estimated about 30,000 people rallied again near parliament.

Protesters expressed anger and disappointment over Yoon’s latest statement, where he said he was leaving his political and legal fate to his ruling People Power Party but did not resign.

Yoon, several cabinet ministers, military commanders and police officials face criminal investigations over the attempt and prosecutors.

The police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials have all launched probes into Yoon and the officials, seeking to pursue charges of insurrection and abuse of power, among others.

In recent days, the streets of Seoul look a lot more like concert arenas than protest sites.

Demonstrators chanting for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment are grooving over chart-topping techno hits and waving colourful light sticks, signature accessories more often associated with K-pop fans more than political movements. 

Despite the serious demand for Yoon’s removal following his botched martial law declaration, the K-pop infused protests have gone viral on social media along with meme-bearing flags. Tens of thousands of demonstrators, braving near sub-zero temperatures, have gathered outside the National Assembly over the last week.

While he survived a first impeachment vote, the opposition has vowed to try again and Yoon's own party says it is formulating a plan for him to eventually step down. Protesters will likely continue to demonstrate, marching to the beat to their own drum and some K-pop anthems along the way.