Rallies Grow in South Korea as Court Weighs President’s Fate

Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans rallied for and against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol on Saturday as protests grow while the country’s Constitutional Court weighs whether to dismiss him.

Yoon was impeached by lawmakers over his disastrous December 3 declaration of martial law, and the court last month held weeks of tense impeachment hearings to determine whether to officially remove him from office.

The wait has only emboldened rival camps to hit the streets in greater numbers every weekend.

On Saturday main streets through central Seoul were filled with protesters for and against Yoon carrying political signs and waving flags despite the cold weather.

“The people are overwhelmed with fatigue and frustration as… the ongoing crises remain unresolved,” said Lee Han-sol, 34, who was protesting for Yoon’s dismissal.

“The ongoing delays have led to a growing sense of skepticism.”

But Yoon supporters, whose members include right-wing YouTubers and religious figures, told AFP his impeachment trial is unlawful.

“The Constitutional Court won’t be able to ignore us. Look at us, there so many of us here,” said Lee Hye-sook, 58.

The Constitutional Court was given 180 days from the time it took on Yoon’s impeachment case to issue a ruling, meaning it has until June to decide his fate.

It has typically issued rulings within weeks for past presidential impeachment cases, but it has taken longer over Yoon’s case, without providing a reason.

At least six of the court’s eight justices must vote to remove Yoon.