On February 8, 2025, Daegu City witnessed one of the largest demonstrations against President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment, coinciding with the launch of the Daegu City Council’s anti-corruption campaign. The dual events drew significant public attention, highlighting the tension within the city's political arena.
The demonstration was organized by the Christian group Save Korea, which aimed to rally citizens against the impeachment proceedings. Reports indicated the gathering at Dongdaegu Station drew estimates ranging from 50,000 to as many as 150,000 attendees, making it one of the most substantial political assemblies in recent memory according to various media analyses.
Lee Cheol-woo, the Gyeongbuk Governor, addressed the crowd, stating, "The citizens have gathered here, demonstrating the strong support against the impeachment." His passionate remarks echoed the sentiments of many gathered, who were there not only to voice dissent against the impeachment but also to bolster their stance on preserving democracy. Holding flags and singing the national anthem, participants declared their commitment to the future of the nation.
The atmosphere at Dongdaegu Station and its surroundings was charged with emotion and unity. Many attendees were reported to carry placards with messages like "Defend Free Democracy!" and "Oppose Impeachment!". The scene overwhelmed nearby roads, creating significant traffic disruptions as the number of participants exceeded initial expectations.
According to eyewitness accounts and police estimates, the scale of the crowd suggested this gathering was historically significant. The police, aware of the potential for large-scale protests, deployed more than 500 officers to manage both traffic and safety around the venue. With the escalators at the station temporarily halted to prevent overcrowding, the city made adjustments to accommodate the massive influx of citizens traveling from various regions, including Seoul and Busan.
Jeon Han-gil, a history instructor and one of the vocal supporters of the movement, referred to the initiation of the anti-corruption campaign alongside the demonstration as transitional. He remarked, "The emergency declaration is akin to Enlightenment, showing the true face of those challenging our democracy." His comments underscored the belief among participants who viewed their actions as necessary to uphold democratic principles against perceived threats.
Demonstrators expressed their sentiments vehemently, chanting slogans like "We will fight until the end to protect our democracy!" and waving both the South Korean and U.S. flags, showing solidarity with their national values. Participants emphasized the need for collective action, declaring the assembly as pivotal to securing Korea's political future.
Many citizens arrived early to secure their positions, demonstrating their earnest commitment to voicing their opinions on Yoon’s leadership. The unusually large turnout highlighted how deeply the issue of impeachment has impacted public sentiment, drawing widespread participation across demographics.
One young participant from Seoul, identified only as Im, stated, "I’m here with friends to show we, the youth, also oppose the impeachment." His perspective illustrated the widespread appeal of the gathering, which united older generations with younger citizens who desired to be part of the political dialogue.
The police presence at Dongdaegu Station effectively ensured the event proceeded with minimal disturbances, though critics raised concerns over freedom of assembly. Nonetheless, the collaboration expressed among various conservative factions and everyday citizens created an environment reflective of shared principles and objectives.
Overall, the joint events of the anti-corruption campaign and the large-scale demonstration articulated significant public dissent against potential political upheaval. The fervent voices rising from Dongdaegu reflected both the concerns and aspirations of those present, with many feeling this moment was foundational to shaping Korea's democratic future.
Daegu, known for its strong conservative base, proved once again to be at the forefront of the political debate, illustrating how local dynamics can influence national conversations. The coming days will likely see the outcomes of this momentum as the community and its leaders navigate the turbulent waters of governance and accountability.