05 Dec 2024 | 10:44 AM UTC
South Korea: Further protests, strikes planned nationwide through mid-December /update 4
Further protests, strikes planned in South Korea through mid-December despite lifting of martial law. 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 President Yoon Suk-yeol briefly declared martial law Dec. 3, citing alleged anti-state forces, but the measure was rescinded after lawmakers rejected it.
In Seoul, authorities will likely maintain an enhanced security posture, 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, various social groups have organized candlelight vigils at Gwanghwamun Square from 18:00 on Dec. 5-6 and 9-13. Additionally, ahead of an impeachment vote against Yoon on Dec. 7, rallies are likely to occur at Gwanghwamun Square from 14:00, with a candlelight march in front of the National Assembly at 17:00.
Thousands of people could participate in large gatherings, with the highest attendance likely in Seoul. Popular protest locations in downtown Seoul include the Presidential Office in Yongsan District, the National Assembly, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul City Hall Plaza, and political party offices, such as the People Power Party headquarters. 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) are participating in an indefinite strike from 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. Additionally, Korean Railway Workers' Union (KRWU) members working for Korea Railroad (KORAIL) plan to start an indefinite strike Dec. 5, while Seoul Metro employees will begin their walkout Dec. 6.
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.
If operating in South Korea, exercise increased caution. 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, with a vote to be held within 72 hours. The impeachment motion will almost certainly pass since Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) lacks a parliamentary majority and given that support within his own party has further eroded following the martial law declaration. Impeachment requires a two-thirds majority - 200 out of 300 members - to succeed. Opposition parties including the DPK currently hold 192 out of 300 seats in parliament, while the PPP only occupies 108 seats. If passed, Yoon must temporarily relinquish his constitutional powers while the constitutional court reviews the case, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo likely stepping in as acting president.
