14 Dec 2024 | 11:02 AM UTC
South Korea: Further demonstrations possible nationwide through mid-December following impeachment /update 7
Further demonstrations possible throughout South Korea through mid-December after succesful impeachment of the president Dec. 14.
Further demonstrations are possible across South Korea through mid-December following the successful impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Dec. 14. President Yoon briefly declared martial law on Dec. 3, citing alleged anti-state forces, but the measure was rescinded after lawmakers rejected it. Nearly 200,000 protesters gathered near the parliament building during impeachment proceedings, which came a week after a previous impeachment attempt had failed. Following the vote in parliament, the matter will proceed to the country's Constitutional Court, where all six justices must unanimously vote to uphold the decision. President Yoon has been suspended from office while the court deliberates, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to take his place in the interim. The court is to first convene Dec. 16 and is expected to deliver its decision within 180 days. Should the impeachment be upheld, presidential elections are to be held within 60 days of the court's verdict.
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. Several countries, including the US and UK, have advised citizens to exercise caution near demonstrations, though travel advisories remain unchanged.
Civil Unrest
Various political parties and civil society groups may hold protests at urban centers nationwide over the coming weeks and months in support of the impeachment process and demand President Yoon's imprisonment. Large-scale rallies are almost certain during any future parliamentary motions to investigate Yoon's administration or family for irregularities and during constitutional court sessions relating to the impeachment.
Tens of thousands of people could participate in large gatherings, with the highest attendance likely in Seoul. Popular protest locations in downtown Seoul include the 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.
General Strike
An indefinite strike by workers affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which was called on Dec. 4 to demand President Yoon's resignation, may cease following the impeachment vote and Yoon's interim replacement by Prime Minster Han. Striking workers had also been protesting at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul since Dec. 4 as part of the action. Unrelated strikes coordinated by other unions, particularly in the transport, education, and public services sectors, are unlikely to be affected and will likely continue as planned. A week-long strike by Korean Railway Workers Union (KRWU) members working for Korea Railroad (KORAIL) ended Dec. 11 following successful negotiations over wages.
Transport and business disruptions are likely during related strikes and protests. While the labor actions do not directly target private companies, they may hinder employees' ability to reach workplaces, delay deliveries, and affect essential public services. Increased congestion and service disruptions are likely on Seoul Metro services near ongoing demonstrations. Increased demand for alternative transportation options is probable. While demonstrations have been peaceful, clashes between police and protesters remain possible, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or attempt to breach security barriers.
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. In recent weeks, large-scale anti-government rallies have also occurred in downtown Seoul demanding his resignation.
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.
