Hundreds of thousands rally ahead of Yoon's impeachment vote
By Im Yoon-seoPosted : December 14, 2024, 15:03Updated : December 14, 2024, 20:04
People gather near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, December 14 (AJP) - Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered near the National Assembly in Seoul on Saturday, demanding the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol ahead of a parliamentary vote to impeach him.
Yoon abruptly declared martial law on Dec. 3, mobilizing troops and helicopters to storm the National Assembly, but the botched plan ended in an overnight fiasco, with martial law being lifted just hours later.
A participant (center) holds a sign that reads "I quit my job because of you," outside the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu
The vote for Yoon's impeachment follows a failed motion last Saturday, when lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) boycotted it, preventing the motion from passing with the required two-thirds quorum.
As of 2:30 p.m., protest organizers estimated around 200,000 people were participating in the rally despite freezing temperatures.
Preparations for the rally began at around 8 a.m., with the main stage set up facing the National Assembly.
People gather near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu
In anticipation of heavy traffic in central Seoul and Yeouido, police deployed additional officers and urged the public to use public transportation and monitor traffic updates.
Simultaneous protests against Yoon are taking place nationwide. A coalition of 145 civic groups in Gwangju started their rally at 3:30 p.m., while another large-scale protest took place in Jeonju at 3 p.m.
Similar protests were also held in the PPP's traditional strongholds such as Busan and Daegu.
People gather near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu
Meanwhile, K-pop songs have become the main songs of rallies, creating a festival-like atmosphere. At the rally, Girls' Generation's debut single "Into the New World" blared through loudspeakers.
Protesters waved light sticks typically used at concerts, filling the rally site with vibrant colors. Fans of various K-pop groups such as 2NE1, Big Bang, BTS, g.o.d, IU, and NCT united in rhythm, chanting for Yoon's impeachment.
Some K-pop stars are supporting fans braving the chilly weather at the rallies. Singer and actress IU provided hand warmers, snacks, and other essentials at five locations in Yeouido. Girls' Generation member Yuri bought gimbap or seaweed rice rolls for protesters, which were distributed by a store near Dangsan Station in western Seoul.
A boy holds a sign that reads "Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol" outside the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu