Seoul is bracing for significant upheaval as supporters and opponents of President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment prepare to hold parallel demonstrations on March 1, 2025, coinciding with the anniversary of the 3.1 Movement. This national holiday, commemorated since 1919 to honor Korea's independence struggle against Japanese colonial rule, sets the stage for passionate political expressions.
According to reports, two principal opposition groups will clash head-on downtown, each rallying thousands of participants. The ruling People Power Party and its allies plan to gather at Yeouido, where Save Korea, led by noted pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, is organizing the 'National Emergency Prayer Meeting.' They expect around 50,000 attendees, with buses dispatched from various regions to bring supporters to the city. A member of the ruling party emphasized, "The court's impeachment adjudication of President Yoon is unfair," setting the tone for the rally.
Simultaneously, advocates for Yoon’s impeachment, which includes the opposition Democratic Party and its allies, are gearing up for their counter-march at the Constitutional Court and nearby areas. This group expects to draw equally substantial crowds, with approximately 20,000 anticipated to gather as part of the "129th Nationwide Candlelight Cultural Festival," alongside another 30,000 for the ‘National Assembly Demand Rally’ led by opposition party leaders. Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung called on his supporters via social media, stating, “We will gather to demand the impeachment of President Yoon.”
The juxtaposition of these events highlights deep political divides within South Korea amid urgent calls for focus on national unity and democratic values. Both rallies are being closely monitored by law enforcement, with plans to deploy about 5,400 officers across 91 police units throughout the city to maintain order and manage the anticipated influx of demonstrators.
Key locations such as Gwanghwamun and Jongno are ground zero for the anticipated events, expected to cause significant traffic disruptions. Traffic management efforts will include the deployment of 270 additional traffic police, aimed at minimizing inconvenience for everyday commuters. The Seoul city government has set up the Citizen Safety Task Force, particularly at major subway stations like City Hall, Anguk, and Gyeongbokgung, to facilitate safety as more people turn to public transport.
The three-way confrontation—with supporters and opponents of President Yoon gathered for their respective causes—will incorporate speeches, chants, and symbols of their beliefs, expected to draw media attention not just locally, but internationally as well. With live broadcasts anticipated from various media outlets and social media channels, audiences watching from home will engage interactively through comments and real-time discussions.
On the heels of this anniversary event, insightful commentary reveals the growing tension within South Korean society, as citizens are compelled to assert their voices during significant moments of political strife. Media experts have noted the importance of these gatherings, emphasizing their potential to influence public opinion and political outcomes moving forward. The election of regional mayoral candidates and shifting legislative priorities hinge on how this sort of civic engagement manifests.
Today’s commemorative gatherings for the 3.1 Movement not only serve as memorials but also reflect the far-reaching impacts of democratic expression and civic rights. The outcomes of these demonstrations, especially how they sway the perception around President Yoon’s impeachment, might dictate the political climate for the months and years to come.
With both sides gearing up for spirited debates and fierce rallies, the nation watches closely, aware of the historical significance these protests hold. The outcome of the constitutional court's decision later this month is likely to set the tone for both the current governmental structure and the future of nonviolent political discourse across South Korea.