07 Dec 2024 | 12:36 PM UTC
South Korea: Further protests, strikes planned nationwide through mid-December amid failed impeachment attempt /update 6
Further protests, strikes planned in South Korea through mid-December after impeachment attempt fails. Related disruptions likely.
Further protests and strikes are planned across South Korea through mid-December despite the lifting of martial law. President Yoon Suk-yeol briefly declared martial law Dec. 3, citing alleged anti-state forces, but the measure was rescinded after lawmakers rejected it. A Dec. 7 impeachment motion against President Yoon failed after most ruling party members boycotted the vote. Opposition lawmakers intend to re-introduce the motion after Dec. 10. Nearly 150,000 protesters who have gathered near the parliament building from the afternoon of Dec. 7 to support Yoon's removal may continue their demonstrations at nearby sites such as the Blue House and the presidential office and residence in Yongsan District.
Authorities will likely maintain an enhanced security posture in Seoul, especially at the National Assembly, 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 will hold protests at urban centers nationwide over the coming weeks, demanding President Yoon's impeachment and imprisonment. In Seoul, PPP supporters are holding daily counterprotests in Gwanghwamun Square; various social groups will hold candlelight vigils at the same venue from 18:00 Dec. 9-13. Over 1,000 activists will also rally in the Namdong-gu area of Incheon from 18:00 Dec. 9. Large-scale rallies are almost certain during any future parliamentary motions to impeach Yoon or investigate his administration or family for irregularities.
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 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
Workers affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) have been participating in an indefinite strike since Dec. 4 to demand President Yoon's resignation. Organizers announced they would continue the action until Yoon stepped down. Striking workers have also been protesting at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul since 09:00 Dec. 4 as part of the action. The KCTU action coincides with a series of strikes already planned by other organizations. Several unions, particularly in the transport, education, and public services sectors, initiated coordinated strikes across South Korea Dec. 2. Korean Railway Workers' Union (KRWU) members working for Korea Railroad (KORAIL) are on an indefinite strike since Dec. 5. Seoul Metro employees have called off a planned work stoppage on Dec. 6 following successful negotiations with the management.
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 demand for alternative transportation options is probable. Clashes between police and protesters may occur, 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.
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, has been actively pursuing impeachment proceedings against Yoon's administration and rejecting key budget proposals. Yoon is also losing support within his own People Power Party, with his martial law declaration further eroding his standing. 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. 105 out of 108 lawmakers from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) heeded the party's call to boycott the vote. The impeachment motion - which requires a two-thirds majority to succeed - failed on Dec. 7 as only 195 out of 300 members voted. Opposition parties, including the DPK, currently only hold 192 out of 300 seats in parliament. Future impeachment motions, and/or resignation by Yoon and other top PPP leaders in line with public and party pressure are likely in the coming weeks.
