Thousands have taken to the streets in the South Korean capital to express their support for disgraced former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from his position yesterday following a poorly managed martial law declaration.
On Friday, South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously decided to remove Mr. Yoon over his December 3 attempt to undermine civilian governance, paving the way for new elections to be conducted by June after months of political instability.
The prolonged wait for the court’s verdict had increased tensions in the East Asian country, fueling far-right backing for Mr. Yoon and weekly opposing rallies in Seoul.
His supporters braved the rain on Saturday, chanting slogans such as “impeachment is invalid” and “nullify the snap election” as they rallied in the capital.
“As someone in my 20s or 30s, I am genuinely concerned about the future.”
Mr. Yoon defended his martial law declaration as essential for eliminating “anti-state forces” and addressing perceived threats from North Korea.
However, many in Seoul celebrated yesterday, expressing joy as they hugged and cried following the court’s ruling against Mr. Yoon.
Ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol asserted that his attempt at martial law was crucial to eliminate ‘anti-state forces.’
Yet, Mr. Yoon received support from extreme religious leaders and right-wing YouTubers who, according to experts, utilized misinformation to garner backing for the former prosecutor.
“Yoon’s presidency has exposed societal rifts driven by political polarization and misinformation,” stated Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral fellow at the William & Mary Global Research Institute.
The court concluded that Mr. Yoon’s actions in December presented a “grave threat” to the nation’s stability.
Experts believe that opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is the leading candidate for the upcoming election, as his party has adopted a more conciliatory stance toward North Korea.
Some of Mr. Yoon’s supporters expressed concern about the possibility of a presidency for Lee.
“I truly believe South Korea is finished,” remarked pro-Yoon supporter Park Jong-hwan, 59.
“It feels as if we have already shifted into a socialist, communist state.”
