07 Jan 2025 | 08:17 AM UTC
South Korea: Further demonstrations likely nationwide through late January amid impeachment proceedings against the president /update 9
Further demonstrations likely across South Korea through late January amid impeachment proceedings against the president.
Further demonstrations are likely across South Korea through early January amid impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol and acting President Han Duck-soo. On Jan. 3, law enforcement attempted to arrest Yoon on insurrection charges, but failed after security forces blocked their efforts during a standoff at his residence. The initial arrest warrant for Yoon expired on Jan. 6; authorities have since sought an extension from the court. As of Jan. 7, thousands of protesters, both opposing and supporting Yoon, continue to hold daily demonstrations outside his residence in the Hannam-dong area of Seoul, leading to traffic congestion along Hannam-daero. Activists will likely maintain their protests outside Yoon's residence over the coming weeks following the failed arrest attempt.
Large-scale rallies are almost certain during key flashpoints, such as a renewed attempts to arrest Yoon, parliamentary motions to investigate his administration or family for alleged irregularities, and upcoming constitutional court sessions concerning his impeachment. 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, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, 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 Yoon’s residence in Hannam-dong, National Assembly, Constitutional Court, and near government buildings and other sensitive facilities. Although recent gatherings have been peaceful, minor clashes between rival protesters or with security personnel are possible. Localized traffic disruptions are probable 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 declared martial law on Dec. 3, marking the first such declaration 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 these actions paralyzed the government. Within hours of Yoon's announcement, the National Assembly - where the Democratic Party holds a majority - overwhelmingly rejected his martial law decree amid large protests.
On Dec. 14, the National Assembly voted to impeach President Yoon, with 204 out of 300 members supporting the motion. The constitutional court now faces a 180-day deadline to decide on the impeachment. If six of the court's nine justices uphold the decision, a presidential election must be held within 60 days. Following Yoon's impeachment, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was appointed acting president but was subsequently impeached on Dec. 27, citing delays in appointing judges to oversee Yoon's case. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is the current acting president, though an opposition-controlled legislature continues to heighten political instability.
Authorities are investigating President Yoon and several high-ranking officials, and have imposed a travel ban on them for their roles in the martial law declaration. On Jan. 1, the Seoul Western District Court issued an arrest warrant for Yoon after he repeatedly ignored questioning requests from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO). Attempts to detain Yoon have been blocked by presidential security services and his supporters, leading to a standoff at his residence. The initial arrest warrant expired on Jan. 6, but investigators are seeking an extension. Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team is challenging the warrant's legality, claiming that the CIO lacks jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court has set the dates for five court hearings for Yoon's impeachment trial through early February, with the first hearing scheduled on Jan. 14. Future motions to investigate Yoon's administration and related rallies are likely in the coming weeks, driven by his perceived mishandling of the economy and allegations involving corruption and misuse of power, including controversies surrounding his wife.
