On February 22, 2025, hundreds of supporters assembled at Daejeon City Hall South Gate Square for a large anti-coup protest organized by the Christian organization 'Save Korea.' The demonstrators rallied against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, claiming it poses a serious threat to democracy and the freedoms they cherish.
Prominent figures from the ruling People Power Party, like Jeong Dong-hyuk and Kim Min-soo, were at the forefront, delivering impassioned speeches emphasizing the need to challenge what they described as judicial misdeeds underpinning the impeachment process.
Jeong Dong-hyuk, addressing the crowd, declared, "Now is the time to rebuild the foundation and create a new Republic of Korea." His sentiments mirrored the concerns expressed by many about the current political climate, which they believe jeopardizes democratic values. Jeong emphasized the procedural unfairness of the impeachment process itself, arguing, "The memo turned to the arrest list is more unbelievable than 'a log turning to a person.'"
Another speaker, former spokesperson Kim Min-soo, did not shy away from highlighting the urgency of their cause. "The impeachment of President Yoon is the impeachment of liberal democracy and the people," he stated, vehemently opposing what he described as ill-founded charges against Yoon. His remarks were met with resounding agreement from the gathered crowd, which increasingly joined him in cries of "Save Korea!" and "We must protect our democracy!"
The protest atmosphere was charged, with participants wielding flags and chanting against the impeachment, reverberations of their messages echoing through the square. Many demonstrators felt their shared frustration reflected the broader unease about the ruling coalition's handling of the impeachment process.
The issues raised during the rally were not merely personal grievances directed at President Yoon; they also showcased the growing distrust many feel toward institutions they believe are undermining democratic integrity. Illustrative of this sentiment, Jeong Dong-hyuk remarked, "The so-called judicial misdeeds are becoming evident," pointing to perceived inconsistencies and manipulations within the prosecution and judicial systems.
Throughout the day, emotional speeches stirred deep commitment from participants, underscoring the struggle for agency within the broader political discourse. Supporters expressed their unwillingness to stand silently as they believed their rights were at risk. It was not lost on attendees how the rally drew not just established politicians but also everyday citizens, all unified under the shared banner of democratic ideals and national integrity.
While the protest thrived on intense emotions, it was also firmly rooted in the fundamental belief of restoring political order and governance reflective of citizens’ will. This gathering exemplified not only the advocates' resolve but also illustrated the deep-rooted challenges the Yoon administration faces as divisions within the South Korean political sphere widen.
The sheer scale and fervor of the protest demonstrated the magnitude of public sentiment surrounding President Yoon's situation, mingling the hopes for his administration's survival with calls for heightened scrutiny of the impeachment process. The air was thick with the belief among many participants: they were standing at the crossroads of civic responsibility and the urgent need to protect their democratic rights.
Demonstrators departed with chants still echoing, reflecting the urgency of the cause they had come to support. The march, firmly rooted against what they label anti-democratic actions, presented not just opposition to the impeachment but the fight for the very value of freedom and fairness they hold dear.
They left behind the stone steps of the city hall, but their voices and envisioning of the future remain unyielding—a clear signal, they are determined to continue their fight for justice and democracy.