Seoul rallies erupt over Yoon impeachment crisis

Seoul rallies erupt over Yoon impeachment crisis
Seoul rallies erupt over Yoon impeachment crisis

South Korea faces significant political tensions as thousands of President Yoon Suk Yeol's supporters gathered in Seoul to protest his recent impeachment. The demonstration comes after Yoon's controversial December 3 martial law decree, which granted extensive emergency powers to the military to combat what he termed "anti-state forces" and political opposition.

The impeachment, triggered by the martial law controversy, has divided the nation. At the rally, 75-year-old Moon Myung-sook expressed her strong support for Yoon, defending the martial law decision and condemning the impeachment proceedings.

The Constitutional Court now holds the authority to determine Yoon's political fate. Should the court uphold the impeachment or if Yoon resigns, South Korea would need to conduct new presidential elections within 60 days.

Demonstrations have brought both pro- and anti-Yoon forces to Seoul's Gwanghwamun area. The "Retreat Emergency Action" group, supporting the impeachment, has organized rallies across multiple locations including Dong-A Ilbo Rotary and Gwanghwamun Intersection. Conversely, the Liberty Korea Party, opposing the impeachment, has established their presence at the Sejong-daero and Daehanmun intersection.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has mobilized 170 traffic officers to manage the expected tens of thousands of protesters. Authorities have advised citizens to use public transportation and check traffic information before traveling, as significant congestion is anticipated around Sejong-daero, Sajik-ro, and Yulgok-ro. Traffic updates are available through the police agency's information channels, including their website and KakaoTalk navigation service.

The political crisis represents one of South Korea's most significant constitutional challenges in recent years, with implications for the nation's democratic stability and governance.