On March 1, 2025, significant anti-government demonstrations unfolded throughout Seoul, coinciding with the 106th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, which originally called for Korean independence. The protests, primarily focused on opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, drew thousands to both the Gwanghwamun area and Yeouido, significantly energizing the political atmosphere across the nation.
Organized by the Christian group Save Korea, the event titled "3.1 National Emergency Prayer Meeting" attracted over 30 members of the People's Power Party (PPP), including notable figures such as Kim Ki-hyun, Na Kyung-won, and Yoon Sang-hyun. Kim Ki-hyun urged attendees to see themselves as torchbearers of the nation’s future, echoing sentiments drawn from Korea's historical struggle for independence. "Just as the common people achieved Korea's independence, you, the citizens here today, will save our Republic," he proclaimed, galvanizing support for the administration and urging collective strength for societal preservation.
Na Kyung-won, sharing the stage with fellow legislators, emphasized the importance of national unity against what she described as the 'leftist stronghold' currently taking over Korea. "We must join forces to revive our country from this state of emergency and to eradicate the leftist elites infiltrated within our legislative, judicial, and media sectors," she asserted, rallying the crowd's support against political dissent and perceived injustices faced by the government.
The prayer meeting also featured emotional addresses reflecting on the impeachment trial of President Yoon, which stirred mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Yoon Sang-hyun conveyed the president's overarching message, highlighting his commitment to fighting for freedom: "When you go out to the square, please deliver this message: we must fight to protect our liberty and responsibility."
Attendees held placards reading messages such as 'We urge the nullification of this fraudulent impeachment,' showing the determination of the gathered crowds.
Parallel to the Yeouido gathering, another large protest was held at Gwanghwamun, where the movement led by Jeon Kwang-hoon, known as the 'Movement to Establish the Republic of Korea,' commenced around 1 PM. Despite the rain, approximately 110,000 participants gathered, reinforcing calls for the impeachment's dismissal and revival of the president's authority. Demonstrators waved flags and chanted slogans, rejecting the legitimacy of the impeachment against Yoon.
Former Vice Speaker Shimm Jae-cheol, who attended the Gwanghwamun rally, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the president, reportedly communicating Yoon's health and contentment during brief engagements with his legal team. "The president expressed his immense gratitude and requested for you all to continue supporting him," he relayed to the ecstatic crowd.
Throughout the demonstrations, sentiments ran high as attendees articulated their fervent desire to uphold democratic principles. Attendees including K Democratic Party members, held signs and shouted slogans to advocate for the rejection of political maneuvering seen as undermining the democratic fabric of the country. Some even went as far as criticizing specific members of the constitutional court, showing the deeply polarized opinion on how political dissent and government actions have evolved.
On the ground, security was tight as police managed the swelling crowds. The Seoul Metropolitan Police deployed over 4,000 officers to various protest sites, and there were temporary service suspensions on some subway lines, including the Gwanghwamun station, due to concerns over the large groups gathering.
The march concluded with participants chanting their hopes for nationally oriented governance, fostering unity and communal spirit. These events mark not only the historical significance of March 1st but reflect modern-day political sentiments and the passionate involvement of citizens invested in the fate of their government.
From the speeches delivered during the events, it's evident how history continues to shape political rhetoric and national identity among citizens. The fervor surrounding the demonstrations presents not just immediate political stakes, but also the enduring legacy of Korea's independence and the continual struggle for democracy and representation.
After hours of peaceful protest, demonstrators began to disperse, carrying with them the collective hopes and demands for justice, emphasizing how today mirrored the historical struggles depicted on the very day itself — the foundational narrative of Korea's liberation. The drive for the reestablishment of President Yoon's presidency translates both to contemporary governance issues and echoes the need for citizens to remain vigilant and proactive within the contours of their democracy.