Seoul: Thousands of South Koreans took to the streets on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol following his contentious declaration of martial law. According to local media, the widespread protests reflect growing discontent with the president’s actions, which many view as an overreach of power.
According to Anadolu Agency, the protests were organized by civic and labor groups, including the Korean Federation of Trade Unions and People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. These organizations spearheaded a significant candlelight rally in downtown Seoul, attracting approximately 2,000 participants. In Gwangju, a southwestern city, about 1,000 individuals attended a similar anti-Yoon demonstration. Additional gatherings were reported in Suncheon, Yeosu, and other cities within South Jeolla province.
The controversy began when President Yoon, in a late-night televised address on Tuesday, declared martial law. However, this order was quickly rescinded after lawmakers unanimously
voted to block it amidst nationwide protests. The swift reversal underscores the legislative pushback against Yoon’s decision, which many viewed as an unconstitutional move.
In response to the unfolding crisis, President Yoon convened with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and leaders of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to strategize following the opposition parties’ submission of an impeachment motion. For the motion to pass, it requires a two-thirds majority in parliament, necessitating the support of eight lawmakers from Yoon’s ruling party within the 300-member National Assembly.
Yonhap News cited an unnamed senior presidential official who defended Yoon’s intentions, stating that the martial law declaration aimed to “protect the constitutional order against groups determined to destroy” the government. Despite this defense, President Yoon has yet to publicly address the impeachment efforts led by the opposition.
The official maintained that “all those actions were taken in accordance with the Constitutio
n,” indicating the administration’s stance on the legality of Yoon’s decisions amid the escalating political turmoil.