24 Dec 2024 | 11:35 AM UTC
South Korea: Further demonstrations likely nationwide through early January amid ongoing impeachment proceedings /update 8
Further demonstrations likely across South Korea through early January amid impeachment proceedings against president.
Further demonstrations are likely across South Korea through early January amid ongoing impeaching proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol. President Yoon briefly declared martial law on Dec. 3, citing alleged anti-state forces, but the measure was rescinded after lawmakers rejected it. On Dec. 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon, while 300,000 people rallied in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, demanding his resignation. After the parliamentary vote, the constitutional court now faces a 180-day deadline to decide on the impeachment. The impeachment will be finalized if six of the court's justices uphold the decision, triggering a presidential election within 60 days. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as acting president, as President Yoon's presidential powers are suspended although he remains in office. The Constitutional Court has scheduled a preparatory hearing for Dec. 27, while Yoon is scheduled to appear before the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) for questioning on Dec. 25.
Various political parties, civil society groups, and trade unions will likely continue nationwide demonstrations in urban centers over the coming weeks to support the impeachment process and demand President Yoon's imprisonment. Rival conservative groups supporting Yoon may also hold counterprotests. Large-scale rallies are almost certain during future parliamentary motions to investigate Yoon's administration or family for irregularities and during constitutional court sessions relating to the impeachment. As of Dec. 24, protest organizers have announced the following planned actions in Seoul:
Dec. 24-25: Candlelight Movement demonstrations at Anguk Station Exit 1 from 19:00.
Dec. 26: Candlelight Movement rally at the Constitutional Court from 18:30.
Dec. 28: Candlelight Movement rally near the Constitutional Court from 14:00 and Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) demonstration at Bosingak Bell Pavilion from 15:00.
Thousands of people could participate in large gatherings, with the highest attendance likely in Seoul. Popular protest locations in downtown Seoul include Anguk Station, Gwanghwamun Square, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Presidential Office in Yongsan District, Seoul City Hall Plaza, and Sungnyemun Gate. Demonstrations may also occur along major thoroughfares like Sejong-daero, Namdaemun-ro, and Yeoui-daero. Smaller demonstrations are possible in other cities such as Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Gwangju, particularly near local government offices, party headquarters, or prominent public squares.
Authorities will likely maintain an enhanced security posture in Seoul, especially at the National Assembly and Constitutional Court, near government buildings, and other sensitive facilities. Although recent gatherings have remained peaceful, minor clashes between rival protesters or with security personnel are possible. Localized traffic disruptions are likely during street marches or if activists occupy roads. Several countries, including the US and UK, have advised citizens to exercise caution near demonstrations, though travel advisories remain unchanged.
Exercise increased caution if operating in South Korea. Avoid all demonstrations due to possible clashes. Keep away from locations where security personnel appear to be deploying, and leave the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for potential localized business disruptions. Heed all official security and transport advisories. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
President Yoon's declaration of martial law Dec. 3 is the first in over 40 years since the end of military rule in 1987. The president accused the opposition Democratic Party of engaging in anti-state activities and colluding with North Korea, claiming that these actions had paralyzed the government. In response, leaders from the Democratic Party condemned the martial law as unconstitutional, rallied lawmakers to oppose Yoon's declaration, and led protests outside the National Assembly overnight Dec. 3-4. Within hours of Yoon's announcement, the National Assembly overwhelmingly rejected his martial law decree. Authorities are currently investigating President Yoon and several high-ranking officials and have imposed a travel ban on them for their roles in the martial law declaration.
Yoon's martial law move appears to be an attempt to assert control amid a fractured political landscape. The opposition Democratic Party, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, had been actively pursuing impeachment proceedings against Yoon's administration and rejecting key budget proposals. Additionally, Yoon's approval ratings have dropped in recent months, driven by discontent over his handling of the economy and scandals involving corruption and misuse of power, including controversies surrounding his wife.
On Dec. 4, opposition groups, including the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), launched impeachment proceedings against President Yoon. A first parliamentary attempt to impeach Yoon failed Dec. 7 after the required two-thirds majority was not met as only 195 out of 300 members voted amid a boycott from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP). Opposition parties, including the DPK, currently hold 192 out of 300 seats in parliament. Future motions to investigate Yoon's administration are likely in the coming weeks.
