South Korea Protests Intensify as Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeel’s Fate Hangs in Balance
Tens of Thousands Take to the Streets as Rallies for and Against President Yoon Intensify
SEOUL: Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans took to the streets on Saturday as rallies for and against the impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol intensified over the upcoming Constitutional Court’s decision on whether to dismiss him.
The Background to the Crisis
Yoon was impeached by lawmakers over his disastrous Dec 3 declaration of martial law, and the court last month held weeks of tense impeachment hearings to determine whether to formally remove him from office. Despite experts predicting a verdict by mid-March, the Constitutional Court has yet to rule, making Yoon’s case the longest deliberation in its history.
Conspiracy Theories Emerge
Conspiracy theories have since emerged, leading to a surge in speculation, with some suggesting the justices must be experiencing tense disagreements. Main streets in central Seoul were filled with protesters for and against Yoon, carrying various political signs as well as South Korean national flags.
Protesters’ Voices
"I cannot accept this situation. It is infuriating that there has still been no formal dismissal," said Kim Min-ji, a 25-year-old anti-Yoon protester. "What frustrates me the most is that by delaying a verdict on the clearly defined charge of insurrection, the court is giving time and strength to the forces that are complicit in Yoon’s crime."
Supporters of Yoon
But, supporters of Yoon, including extreme right-wing YouTubers and religious figures, argue that justice will only be served if Yoon is reinstated. "President Yoon only exercised his right as a president, and it is absurd to perceive what he did as an act of insurrection," said Park Jong-hwan, a 59-year-old Yoon supporter. "This country will be in a much better, stable place once he returns to the presidential office."
The Verdict and Its Implications
The Constitutional Court is expected to render its verdict soon, with at least six of the eight justices on the court required to vote to remove Yoon. If the verdict is in favor of removal, Yoon will be the first sitting South Korean president to be impeached and removed from office. If the verdict is in favor of reinstatement, Yoon will return to office, but the political divisions in the country are expected to deepen.
Police Preparations
As tensions rise and political divisions deepen, the police are preparing to mobilize "all available equipment" on the day of the verdict, according to a police report. The force is also considering deploying special units to address potential bomb threats, it said.
Conclusion
The fate of President Yoon Suk Yeol hangs in the balance as the Constitutional Court prepares to render its verdict. The country is on edge, with protests and counter-protests intensifying by the day. Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – South Korea will be watching with bated breath as the future of its leadership hangs in the balance.
FAQs
Q: What is the current situation regarding President Yoon’s impeachment?
A: President Yoon was impeached by lawmakers over his disastrous Dec 3 declaration of martial law, and the court is expected to render its verdict soon.
Q: What are the implications of the verdict?
A: If the verdict is in favor of removal, Yoon will be the first sitting South Korean president to be impeached and removed from office. If the verdict is in favor of reinstatement, Yoon will return to office, but the political divisions in the country are expected to deepen.
Q: What are the protesters demanding?
A: Anti-Yoon protesters are demanding his immediate removal from office, while supporters are demanding his reinstatement.
Q: What is the police’s response to the situation?
A: The police are preparing to mobilize "all available equipment" on the day of the verdict, including deploying special units to address potential bomb threats.