Protests In Seoul As The Fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol hangs in Balance During Impeachment Trial
Despite the cold weather, main streets in central Seoul were crowded with protesters from both sides, carrying political signs and waving flags.
President Yoon has been suspended from his duties since the National Assembly, which is controlled by the liberal opposition, impeached him due to his martial law decree issued in December that led to political unrest.
The Constitutional Court is currently debating if it should formally dismiss him or reinstate him. In case he is ousted, a new election will be held within two months to select his replacement.
The delay in the Constitutional Court’s decision has fueled the determination of both sides to increase their presence on the streets every weekend.
“The people are tired and frustrated with the ongoing crises that haven’t been resolved,” Lee Han-sol, who protested for Yoon’s dismissal, told AFP. “The delays have created a growing sense of skepticism.”
However, supporters of Yoon, who include conservative YouTubers and religious figures, argue that his impeachment trial is not legal.
“The Constitutional Court cannot ignore us. Look at us, we are so many,” said Lee Hye-sook, 58. Yoon, a former prosecutor, was initially detained on charges of insurrection, but was released in early March due to procedural reasons. He has maintained a defiant stance throughout and accused the opposition of being “malicious” in their actions.
A Gallup Korea poll conducted this month showed that 58 percent of respondents supported Yoon’s removal from office.
Impeachment Trial
The Constitutional Court has until June to make a ruling on Yoon’s impeachment case, as it was given 180 days from when it first took charge of the case. Despite this, it has taken longer to issue a decision compared to past presidential impeachment cases, without providing a specific reason.
At least six of the court’s eight justices must vote in favor to remove Yoon from office.
In the event the court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea will hold a snap election to determine his successor within 60 days.
Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, is seen as a frontrunner in the upcoming presidential election. However, he is facing legal challenges of his own.
