Latest news with #March1IndependenceMovement
Iraqi News
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Large-scale rallies for, against Yoon's impeachment take place in Seoul
INA- sources Demonstrators and politicians both supporting and opposing impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol gathered for large-scale rallies in Seoul on Saturday, as the nation grapples with the political fallout from his failed martial law attempt and subsequent impeachment. The rallies, coinciding with the anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement against Japan's colonial rule, come after the Constitutional Court held its final hearing on Yoon's impeachment trial Tuesday, and began deliberations on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. Rallies led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon and the conservative Christian group Save Korea began near the Gwanghwamun area in downtown Seoul and Yeouido in western Seoul at 1 p.m. to oppose Yoon's impeachment. A total of 110,000 people had gathered for the two rallies as of 2:30 p.m., according to an initial police estimate, with people continuing to arrive. Dozens of lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party attended the rally in Yeouido, including Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun, who delivered a message on behalf of the impeached president on the rally stage. "When the will and the sense of responsibility to defend freedom are lost, communist totalitarianism and populism will take its place," the lawmaker quoted Yoon as saying. "We must fight until the end with that will and sense of responsibility." At the rally, people carried signs that expressed opposition to Yoon's impeachment and support for his declaration of martial law, while others waved the Korean and U.S. flags, and chanted the impeached president's name. Meanwhile, a rally organized by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and four other opposition parties took place just 1 kilometer away from the conservative rally in downtown Seoul at 3:30 p.m., calling for Yoon's removal from office. DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung was among the 13,000 people gathered for the rally near Anguk Station, according to a police estimate. At 5 p.m., protestors were set to stage a march calling for Yoon's ouster in downtown Seoul. Around 100,000 people are expected to be present for the rally, according to the march organizations. As tens of thousands gathered for the rallies, police have mobilized 6,400 officers and 230 police buses for crowd control. About 5,000 officers will be stationed in the Gwanghwamun area, while the rest will be sent to maintain order in Yeouido. Traffic has also been restricted on parts of Sejong-daero in downtown Seoul, as well as parts of Yeoui-daero in western Seoul. Due to the large number of people gathered in downtown Seoul, subway trains temporarily passed Gwanghwamun Station without stopping, but normal operations resumed at about 3 p.m.
Korea Herald
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Large-scale rallies for and against Yoon's impeachment continue in Seoul
Large-scale rallies both supporting and opposing impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol took over the major streets of Seoul on Saturday, as the nation grapples with the political fallout from his failed martial law attempt last December and his subsequent impeachment. The rallies, coinciding with the anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement against Japan's colonial rule, come after the Constitutional Court held its final hearing on Yoon's impeachment trial this week and began deliberations on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. Rallies led by conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon and the conservative Christian group Save Korea began near the Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul and Yeouido in western Seoul at 1 p.m. to oppose Yoon's impeachment. The two groups have said around 100,000 people are expected to attend their rallies respectively. Meanwhile, Candlelight Action, a progressive civic group, was set to hold a rally at an intersection near Anguk Station in central Seoul at 2 p.m. The main opposition Democratic Party and four other opposition parties will hold a rally calling for Yoon's impeachment at 3:30 p.m. in the same location. Another group calling for Yoon's removal will hold a march at 5 p.m. in downtown Seoul, which is expected to be attended by 100,000 people. As hundreds of thousands are set to gather for the rallies, police have mobilized 6,400 officers and 230 police buses for crowd control. About 5,000 officers will be stationed in the Gwanghwamun area, while the rest will be sent to maintain order in Yeouido. Traffic has also been restricted on parts of Sejong-daero in downtown Seoul, as well as parts of Yeoui-daero in western Seoul. (Yonhap)
Korea Herald
01-03-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Acting President Choi emphasizes 'national unity' amid deepening political, ideological division
Acting President Choi Sang-mok called for greater national unity on Saturday, warning that deepening divisions within South Korean society pose significant risks to the nation's stability. His remarks came during a ceremony in Seoul commemorating the 106th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement, a key uprising against Japanese colonial rule. Choi delivered the speech on behalf of President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose official powers remain suspended following a controversial brief declaration of martial law last December. "Today, conflict and division cast a darker shadow over our society," Choi said, referring indirectly to ongoing protests and the increasing polarization between President Yoon's supporters and critics. He pointed specifically to ideological disputes, generational tensions, regional disparities, and economic inequalities as core challenges undermining South Korea's unity. "To overcome the current crisis and establish a nation future generations can proudly inherit, restoring national cohesion must be our top priority," Choi said. Choi, who concurrently serves as finance minister, addressed South Korea's difficult economic situation, noting that recent downward adjustments to the country's growth forecasts stem from prolonged domestic political instability and heightened global protectionism. "Globally, geopolitical tensions are rising, uncertainties in economic and trade environments are intensifying, and international alliances and relationships are rapidly shifting," he noted. Choi committed the government to boosting economic recovery efforts through targeted support for everyday livelihoods and increased employment opportunities. Additionally, Choi urged the need for sustained reform efforts, particularly emphasizing balanced regional development to counter the significant wealth and infrastructure concentration around Seoul. On international relations, Choi noted this year's 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between South Korea and Japan as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. "Given the current severe global conditions, close cooperation between South Korea and Japan is crucial," he said.
Korea Herald
28-02-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Road closures expected in Seoul amid major rallies for, against Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment
Police said Friday roads in central and western Seoul will be partially closed on Saturday as tens of thousands of people are expected to take to streets, as the political turmoil continues following the end of the hearings in suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial, Tuesday. Suspended from office and under detention, Yoon currently awaits the Constitutional Court verdict that will determine his fate, following the wrap-up of hearings over upholding his impeachment, Tuesday. According to Seoul police, rallies in Jongno-gu, central Seoul, and Yeongdeungpo-gu, western Seoul, will likely cause traffic congestion, so they advise people to use the subway. Police added it would dispatch some 270 officers to control traffic near rally locations. Starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, people calling on the Constitutional Court to confirm Yoon's impeachment will gather near the Anguk-dong four-way intersection in Jongno-gu. Then at 3:30 p.m., lawmakers from the five opposition parties are expected to lead a rally at this location. Then at 5 p.m., participants will start marching in the Sajikro area near Gyeongbokgung Station exit 4. Those opposing Yoon's impeachment will gather at 1 p.m. at Sejong-daero near the south end of Gyeongbokgung. This rally will be followed by a march to the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, vial Euljiro. A conservative Christian group will also hold a "national emergency prayer meeting" rally against removing Yoon in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, at the same time. Saturday is a public holiday marking the 106th anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement, in which Koreans across the peninsula rose up in resistance to Japanese occupation and to call for independence on March 1, 1919, following Imperial Japan's annexation of the peninsula in 1910.
