On February 22, 2025, the Save Korea National Coalition held a massive anti-coup protest outside Daejeon City Hall, rallying supporters against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The protest drew considerable attention, with police estimating over 10,000 attendees at the peak and organizers predicting potential turnout of up to 50,000.
The event began at 2 PM and was packed with speeches and fervent displays of support for the president. Among the speakers was Jang Dong-hyuk, a prominent member of the National Assembly, who called upon attendees to unite against what he termed as politically motivated maneuvers aimed at undermining the administration. "The country calls for us to protect it and keep our democracy alive," he declared, emphasizing the necessity of solidarity in the face of challenges to national governance.
Jeon Han-gil, noted for his historical insights, took the stage to encourage attendees to actively voice their opinions. "Now is not the time to be passive; we must rise and speak for the values we hold dear," he insisted, rallying the crowd with his compelling rhetoric.
The Save Korea Coalition positioned this protest not merely as a rally but as a fundamental expression of democratic values and resistance against what they view as public overreach and manipulation. According to the organizers, this demonstration reflects the true intentions of the public who support President Yoon and believe in his leadership.
Despite the overwhelming support displayed at the event, tensions remained palpable. While supporters rallied passionately, several hundred meters away, opposition groups staged their protests advocating for Yoon’s impeachment. This highlighted the deepening political divides within South Korea, as contrasting narratives about governance and accountability clashed openly.
Security forces maintained oversight throughout the event, ensuring public safety amid the gathering of thousands. The Daejeon police department prepared for crowd control, issuing statements emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstrations. They reported no major incidents during the day, allowing the evening to proceed without significant disruption.
Jang's remarks also alluded to the larger political climate, noting, "If we are to preserve the Republic of Korea, our actions must be one with our words. Too many voices echo the call for early elections, which contradicts the very principles we rally to protect." His comments suggest discontent with internal party disagreements and socio-political pressures surrounding President Yoon’s governorship.
The impeachment process for President Yoon is set to reach its pivotal date on February 25, when final arguments are expected to be made before the Constitutional Court. The coalitions engaging against one another at this tense juncture of South Korean politics showcase the increasingly polarized atmosphere as each side reassesses their strategies.
Among other attendees were influential community figures, including law enforcement veterans and legal advocates. Their participation added weight to the gathering, showcasing broad support for the coalition's message. This blend of societal representation demonstrated the diverse fabric of support for preserving the current administration.
The protest at Daejeon City Hall was more than just about one leader; it was characterized as a movement centered on the survival of the ideals of democracy and justice as perceived by its followers. Proponents of the gathering aimed to forge unity among citizens wary of what they perceive as unlawful encroachments on their elected leadership.
While the protest garnered significant media coverage and public attention due to the socio-political climate it emerged from, voices on both sides of the issue suggest this is only the beginning of the most contentious chapter of South Korea’s contemporary history.
Reflecting on the day’s events, the Save Korea Coalition reiterated its commitment to contest any motion seen as undermining their democratic process, underlining the principal belief held by supporters: the impending impeachment is not merely about Yoon’s presidency—it’s about the future of the republic itself.
With political discussions intensifying across the nation, all eyes will be on the upcoming court proceedings and their potential impact on the public's perception of governance moving forward.