Massive Protests Erupt in Seoul as President Yoon Faces Impeachment Vote

Seoul, South Korea—Thousands of South Koreans have poured into the streets of the capital as President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment vote over his controversial attempt to impose martial law. Demonstrations both for and against the embattled leader have gripped the city, signaling a deeply divided nation.

Protesters demanding Yoon’s resignation gathered outside the National Assembly on Saturday, with police estimating over 200,000 participants. Meanwhile, counter-rallies near Gwanghwamun Square saw Yoon’s supporters waving South Korean and American flags, accompanied by patriotic songs.

The National Assembly is set to vote on whether to impeach Yoon for what opposition lawmakers describe as "insurrectionary acts undermining the constitutional order." To pass, the motion requires 200 votes, meaning at least eight lawmakers from Yoon’s conservative People Power Party (PPP) must break ranks. As of Friday, seven had pledged support for impeachment, leaving the outcome uncertain.

If the motion passes, Yoon will be suspended from office while the Constitutional Court deliberates on his removal. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo would assume the presidency in the interim, with the court given 180 days to decide Yoon’s fate.

The crisis stems from Yoon’s short-lived martial law declaration, which sent military forces to the National Assembly last week. Lawmakers swiftly responded by breaking through military barricades and voting to nullify the order. The move has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics accusing Yoon of undermining South Korea’s democracy.

“Impeachment is a must and we must fight relentlessly,” said Kim Sung-tae, a 52-year-old worker. "This is about restoring democracy."

Yoon, however, remains defiant, alleging without evidence that opposition parties are aligned with communist adversaries. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has urged PPP lawmakers to heed the cries of the people braving freezing temperatures in the streets. “History will remember your choice,” Lee declared.

As public backlash grows, so does the investigation into Yoon’s administration. Prosecutors have arrested the military commander responsible for the capital’s defense during the martial law declaration, while warrants have been issued for both the national police chief and Seoul’s police head, citing potential evidence tampering.

Despite the controversy, Yoon has refused to apologize. A Gallup Korea poll released Friday shows his approval rating plummeting to 11%, with 75% of respondents supporting impeachment.

If impeached, Yoon could become South Korea’s second president removed from office, following Park Geun-hye in 2017. However, the Constitutional Court must unanimously back his removal, as it currently operates with only six judges.

Even if the impeachment fails, legal experts argue Yoon could still face prosecution for insurrection under the criminal code. “This is clearly an act of insurrection,” said legal researcher Kim Hyun-jung.

As the nation waits for the National Assembly’s decision, protests continue to reflect the deepening divide in South Korean society. From K-pop fans waving glowsticks to retirees and blue-collar workers, the demonstrators share a common demand: accountability and the restoration of democracy.