Mass Protests Erupt In Seoul Over Yoon Suk-yeol's Impeachment

In a significant escalation of political tensions in South Korea, protests erupt in Seoul surrounding the impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk-yeol. Expected to attract a staggering number of participants, the demonstration on March 22, 2025, has organizers anticipating a turnout of one million people, underscoring the high stakes involved.

The rally, spearheaded by a coalition demanding Yoon's immediate resignation, will take place at 5 PM in front of Gwanghwamun. The organizers, representing diverse groups, are mobilizing supporters, energizing a wave of public outcry against the president. In a statement, one rally organizer noted, "We expect to mobilize 1 million people," reflecting the collective sentiment pushing for political accountability.

Earlier protests occurred on March 14, 2025, right after President Yoon was released from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang City, Gyeonggi Province. His release followed a ruling that dismissed his arrest warrant, sparking massive public demonstrations for and against his presidency. Supporters greeted Yoon as he emerged, signaling a split public opinion that is becoming increasingly pronounced.

On March 22, the same day as the planned protest, the Democratic Party will hold its 'National Report Conference' at noon, marching from the National Assembly to Gyeongbokgung Palace, with an estimated 500 participants. Concurrently, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minju-nochong) will stage a rally at 3:50 PM outside the Seoul Regional Employment Labor Office, further contributing to a day filled with protest activities. Meanwhile, two conservative groups—Free Unification Party and Safe Korea—are expected to hold their gatherings earlier at 1 PM in Gwanghwamun and around Yeouido, respectively.

The public’s reaction is fueled by President Yoon’s alleged involvement in bribery and misconduct. His legal team announced that he will not attend the upcoming second hearing set for March 24, where critical discussions regarding his bribery case will unfold. They clarified, "The president will not attend the second hearing for his criminal trial," highlighting the ongoing complexities in Yoon's legal battles.

The Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 25 will lead this critical preparatory hearing. Originally scheduled after the initial hearing on February 20, this meeting will explore the case's circumstances following Yoon’s release and touch on legal arguments pertaining to the legitimacy of the probes against him. Observers are keen to see if Yoon's defenders, following their successful appeal for his release, will push harder for the indictment to be dismissed altogether, using the reasoning behind the previous court's decision.

Legal arguments are expected to hinge on the legitimacy of the investigations conducted by the Corruption Crime Investigation Department (Gongsucheo), which the court has previously raised questions about. The controversy surrounding the investigation rights is likely to become a focal point for Yoon's defense team, who may argue that the process has been flawed from the beginning.

Interestingly, as mass protests unfold in Seoul, the discourse around the engagement of law enforcement raises questions of civil rights and public safety as police prepare to manage the anticipated crowds. While police expect to oversee about 20,000 demonstrators for the counter-rallies organized by pro-Yoon groups, such as the President's Supporters’ Lawyers Panel, the reality may exceed their estimates given the explosive mix of anger and support.

Importantly, both supporters and opponents are rallying around core issues—democracy, accountability, and the future direction of South Korean governance, revealing a nation deeply divided. In the back-and-forth between political factions, the implications of the upcoming court hearing could significantly influence the broader landscape of Yoon’s presidency and the public faith in the judicial process.

The outcome of the second hearing, coupled with the ongoing protests, will shape not only the discourse surrounding Yoon's presidency but also critical discussions regarding political accountability in South Korea.

As the situation continues to evolve, the eyes of the nation remain glued to both the streets of Seoul and the courts, waiting to see how this pivotal chapter in South Korea's political saga unfolds.