Citizens Rally Against President Yoon Suk-yeol In Jinju

A large crowd gathered on March 21, 2025, in front of Jinju City Hall to express their dissent against President Yoon Suk-yeol, during the 36th assembly organized by the Jinju Emergency Action group. The assembly, formally titled "Yoon Suk-yeol Resignation, Yoon Suk-yeol Arrest Rally," featured passionate speeches and chants calling for the President's immediate resignation.

Participants voiced their frustrations through slogans and personal messages, highlighting a growing dissatisfaction with Yoon's administration. One citizen shared a light-hearted birthday wish, noting, "Next Thursday is my birthday; please celebrate my birthday and Yoon's removal together." The atmosphere was a mix of hopeful declarations and resolute demands, showcasing the spirit of the assembled citizens.

Leading the assembly, Kim Jun-hyung, a representative of the Jinju Emergency Action group, asserted, "Yoon has committed crimes against the state, utilizing public authority or foreign troops to harm citizens. This demonstrates disregard for national safety, creating turmoil purely for political gain." He implored the assembled crowd to remain steadfast in their protest until the perceived threats to democratic governance are dismantled.

Further emphasizing the level of public anger, local resident Lee Hwan-mun spoke about recent collaborations between prominent figures and expressed concern that the elite had turned against the President, stating, "The leading figures, including Lee Jae-yong of Samsung, have distanced themselves from Yoon due to the irreparable damage inflicted during his tenure." He asserted that the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens require that Yoon must be ousted without delay.

Adding to the chorus of opposition was university student Lee San-ha, who framed the protest within a wider struggle for democracy. "This battle is between the people defending democracy and the power seeking to undermine it. We cannot afford to lose the democracy we fought hard for. It’s imperative to hold Yoon accountable for his actions that threaten our constitutional rights," he fervently stated.

The rally was not just a call for the President’s resignation, but also a reminder of the collective power of civic engagement. "We will continue our actions as long as there are individuals ready to join this movement," stated Lee, urging citizens to band together as agents of change.

On the same day, legal developments concerning President Yoon were underway. The Seoul Central District Court prepared for his second criminal trial on March 24, 2025, amidst ongoing accusations surrounding election interference. Despite the heightened scrutiny, President Yoon chose not to attend the preparatory hearing, sending his legal team instead to present his interests.

The prosecution had responded to the growing demands for a speedy trial. They requested the court to conduct hearings more frequently, arguing that the seriousness of the allegations and public interest warranted expediting the proceedings. Prosecutors emphasized that action was required not just for judicial efficiency, but to address widespread concerns about the state of governance under Yoon.

The hearing on March 24 is expected to garner substantial public and media interest, as it marks the first hearing since Yoon's release from custody in early March. Attention will focus on whether he will face the court directly or allow his attorneys to speak on his behalf.

In another political development on March 22, 2025, the Democratic Party expressed disapproval over the dismissal of arrest warrants for Kim Seong-hoon and Lee Gwang-woo, senior figures in the Presidential Security Service. They are accused of obstructing justice during President Yoon's security arrangements amid the ongoing turmoil. Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Geon-tae stated, "It’s incomprehensible that the court has not arrested the primary offenders of public service obstruction. Their actions undermine the authority of the judiciary and contribute to a growing sense of lawlessness."

Lee criticized the inaction, stating, "The Security Service appears to be systemically obstructing necessary protections for the President, a situation the public can no longer ignore." He further accused the prosecution of failing to represent the interests of justice effectively by not attending crucial pre-arrest hearings.

The political landscape continues to shift as calls for change echo through the streets, while legal battles unfold in courtrooms. Activists, citizens, and political figures alike find their roles intertwined in a fabric woven from the shared desire for accountability and justice.

As civic groups prepare for their next rally on March 22 at 5 PM in a car-free zone in Jinju, they vow to keep the pressure on Yoon’s administration, rallying around their demands for accountability and systemic reforms. The chants and calls for justice reveal a society at a crossroads, grappling with issues of leadership, democracy, and citizens' rights to express their grievances publicly.