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Korea Herald
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
Pro-Yoon protests shrink substantially after impeachment verdict
Vows of 'revolution' against court ruling ring hollow as rallies supporting ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol draw smaller crowds Following the Friday verdict by the Constitutional Court expelling Yoon Suk Yeol from the presidency, far-right activist and pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon called for 30 million people to gather to protest the decision. According to police estimates, 18,000 people showed up to the Saturday protest led by Jeon. Organizers claimed it was a million, and had reported to the authorities that 200,000 were expected to participate. A significant number of protesters filled the streets of Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, but calls for protection of the former president have subsided substantially after the court ruling that made Yoon the second president ever to be ousted via impeachment. Save Korea, a right-leaning Christian group that had notified the authorities of a Saturday protest of 20,000 in Seoul, cancelled the demonstration shortly after the Constitutional Court ruling. Reporters stationed at the official presidential residence in Hannam-dong -- which had been packed with Yoon supporters before the verdict -- had said the area was mostly empty as of Sunday morning. Yoon and his wife Kim Keon Hee are to move out of the official residence to their personal residence, with the former first couple yet to state when they will vacate the premises. At protests on March 1 in Seoul, the crowds of Yoon supporters surpassed the police-estimated 120,000 participants, with Save Korea hosting an event in Yeouido, near the National Assembly, that drew 55,000. Scores of lawmakers with Yoon's People Power Party joined the demonstrations, including multiple-term legislators Kim Gi-hyeon, Na Kyung-won, Yoon Sang-hyun and former party floor leader Choo Kyung-ho. South Koreans both supporting and opposing Yoon's impeachment did hold rallies across Seoul on Saturday, but on a much smaller scale than before. Pro-impeachment demonstrators on Friday were seen removing the tents they had set up at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul for long-term demonstrations, which had been held since shortly after Yoon declared martial law on Dec. 3. Avid supporters of Yoon still oppose impeachment Those who attended the pro-Yoon rallies over the weekend appeared angered by the court ruling. They voiced their discontent with the National Assembly that passed the impeachment motion and the Constitutional Court for upholding it, even denying the authority of the court and the legitimacy of the upcoming election to choose a new president. Jeon urged participants to prepare a "revolution" against what he claimed was an unjust decision by the court, telling protesters to each send text messages protesting the impeachment to 10 acquaintances. Jeon claimed that Yoon's approval rating is "actually over 70 percent," and he himself has been cleared of all charges related to Yoon's alleged insurrection. Yoon's approval rating peaked at 53 percent in June 2022, according to Gallup Korea, but by the week after his martial law declaration in December 2024 had fallen to 11 percent. Jeon is still under investigation for suspicion of inciting the Jan. 19 attack on the Seoul Western District Court, which left scores of police officers and civilians injured.
Memri
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Save South Korea From Chinese Influence
On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared nationwide martial law, citing "anti-state forces threatening the democratic system" as justification, in an attempt to suppress domestic opposition. However, this decision was swiftly overturned by the National Assembly within just five and a half hours. The move triggered widespread upheaval in South Korean society, and Yoon was subsequently accused of "insurrection." On January 15, 2025, following intense confrontations, South Korean police and anti-corruption authorities breached the defenses of his official residence and arrested him, marking him the first sitting president in South Korea's constitutional history to be detained on criminal charges. It has been noted that Yoon's overtly pro-U.S. policies posed a threat to Beijing's long-term strategy of cultivating a pro-China faction in South Korea (Republic of Korea, ROK), encroaching on CCP interests and making him a target in the broader U.S.-China rivalry. [1] On December 21, 2024, massive rallies were organized to oppose the impeachment of the president. Nevertheless, the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies were downplayed by the international and Korean media. It is worth noting that pro-impeachment protests were rather small compared to the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies. which specializes in Korean politics, reported that Korean people came out to the streets not only to oppose the impeachment of President Yoon, but also to address several important concerns, such as "stopping deep-rooted Chinese influence," [2] "stopping deep-rooted North Korean influence," condemn the "behavior of the leftist Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)-dominated National Assembly, which has weaponized the legislative branch's lawmaking power," and "investigating and revealing the truth about election fraud," among others. [3] It is worth noting that lawmakers voted to impeach President Yoon on December 14, but it is the constitutional court that will decide on the matter. If the constitutional court votes in favor of impeachment, President Yoon will be removed from office and South Korea will have to hold presidential elections within 60 days. [4] South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. Save Korea/Anti-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. Pro-impeachment rally, December 21, 2024. It is worth noting that pro-impeachment protests were rather small compared to the Save Korea/anti-impeachment rallies. Renowned North Korean Defector And Human Rights Activist Jihyun Park: "I Oppose The Impeachment Of President Yoon Seok-yeol In Order To Protect The Values Of Freedom, Democracy And The Stability Of South Korea" Commenting on the impeachment of President Yoon, renowned North Korean defector and human rights activist, Jihyun Park, stated: "Currently, South Korean society is divided into 'pro-Yoon' and 'anti-Yoon' groups. While there are those who advocate impeachment amid this division, I oppose the impeachment of President Yoon Seok-yeol in order to protect the values of freedom, democracy and the stability of South Korea. "In particular, the Yoon Seok-yeol government is the one that clearly distinguishes North Korea as a totalitarian dictatorship and is fighting against it. The Yoon Seok-yeol government has established the 'North Korean Defectors' Day,' has informed the international community of human rights [violations] of North Koreans and has raised its voice in criticism of the North Korean dictatorship." She then added: "The Yoon Seok-yeol government has pursued a foreign policy that upholds important diplomatic principles internationally and strengthens the ROK-U.S.-Japan alliance. This was a measure to further strengthen the security of the country and to be more vigilant about relations with North Korea, Russia, and China, and it was an essential direction for the security of the Republic of Korea." According to Jihyun Park, the impeachment is motivated by political purposes, and fears that the impeachment could threaten the free democratic system of the Republic of Korea and the security of the country. Commenting on President Yoon's declaration of martial law, Jihyun Park stated: "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea stipulates that the president can declare martial law in times of emergency. This is an important authority to protect the country and its people. Considering the external threats and internal security instability that South Korea faces, I believe that the decision to declare martial law was an inevitable measure to protect the freedom and stability of the country." She then added: "South Korea is currently in a very dangerous situation. North Korea still regards South Korea as its main enemy, and China is also carrying out various maneuvers that threaten democracy on the Korean Peninsula. For example, as Xi Jinping mentioned South Korea as a vassal state of China when he met with President Trump during his first term, China's destruction and suppression of South Korea's freedom democracy is deepening day by day. I believe that urgent measures are needed to ensure the stability of the country, as such external threats can pose a great threat to South Korea." [5] Renowned North Korean defector and human rights activist Jihyun Park. On March 21, 2025, the Professors for Freedom And Justice In Korea (PFJK) held a rally near the Chinese Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, to condemn China's interference in ROK's internal affairs. (Source: CCP's Broader Strategy Of Infiltrating And Dividing South Korean Politics As a staunchly pro-U.S. leader, Yoon's foreign and security policies stand in stark contrast to the pro-China figures long supported and controlled by the CCP. Through overt economic cooperation, political donations, covert benefit transfers, and even illegal sexual bribery, the CCP has cultivated and coerced certain South Korean political figures over time, aiming to undermine the U.S.-South Korea alliance, weaken South Korea's strategic independence, and expand its regional influence at the expense of the U.S. President Yoon Suk-Yeol's martial law declaration and arrest are not merely a culmination of domestic political conflict but also reflect the CCP's broader strategy of infiltrating and dividing South Korean politics through economic, cultural, and illicit means, as well as personnel exchanges. CCP's infiltration has not only disrupted South Korea's political ecosystem but also profoundly impacted the U.S.-South Korea alliance and regional security. [6] [3] December 23, 2024. [4] March 24, 2025. [5] March 19, 2025.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Korea's firebrand pastors flock to impeached president's cause
By Hyunsu Yim SEOUL (Reuters) -When South Korea's Constitutional Court rules on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, expected in coming days, few will be watching more closely - or be watched more closely for possible rabble-rousing - than the country's activist pro-Yoon churches. Outspoken pastors and their flocks have emerged among the conservative president's most vocal supporters, demanding in mass rallies, online videos and lawmakers' speeches that he be restored to office after his impeachment over a martial law declaration in December. Invoking their religious faith and ardent anti-communism, they have doubled down on support for Yoon and cast his impeachment not as the reining in of a rogue leader, but as an existential threat to the fight against North Korea and other enemies. Critics from other religious and political groups, meanwhile, see the churches' strident rhetoric also as a ploy for attention and influence, amid a wider struggle with rising secularism and shrinking congregations. "This shows they want to exercise power and demonstrate that they are still influential in South Korean society," said Sukwhan Sung, a theology professor who heads the Center for City and Community, a Seoul-based research organisation. The rallies and agitating have helped to power a comeback by Yoon's party in the court of public opinion. Polling shows they now lag the opposition by just four percentage points, compared with a 24-point deficit in December, according to Gallup Korea. Leading this anti-impeachment charge is Save Korea, a religious advocacy group set up in the wake of Yoon's martial law declaration. Thousands of supporters have attended its rallies, including one in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that police estimated drew more than 50,000 people. "At first, everyone had doubts about martial law. But many have been enlightened thanks to Save Korea," said Bae Ji-hyun, who was attending her third Save Korea protest in Seoul on March 8. Other attendees at the group's "national emergency prayer meeting" carried signs saying "Yes to Martial Law" and "Stop the Steal" - the latter echoing unsubstantiated claims by both Yoon and U.S. President Donald Trump of widespread election fraud. Lawmakers from Yoon's ruling party have also appealed to religion in their protests. A group that gathered around the Constitutional Court last week prayed that God would move the hearts of the judges, while one told reporters that South Korea was fighting a "spiritual war against dark forces". HEATED RHETORIC Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration sought to ban all political activities and ordered media under military control, as he vowed to root out "pro-North Korea" and "anti-state" forces in the country and to end opposition gridlock. Although the declaration was withdrawn after only six hours, it triggered large-scale anti-Yoon protests and a parliamentary vote on Dec. 14 to impeach him. Counter-protests by Yoon supporters steadily gathered steam, especially around the time of his arrest on Jan. 15, and pro-Yoon activists stormed a court in late January after it extended his detention. He was released on March 8 and is awaiting a decision by the Constitutional Court, which will have the final word on whether he should be ousted from the presidency or restored to power. In the meantime, heated rhetoric at gatherings of Yoon supporters has raised concerns about clashes, and police are preparing for unrest from either side when the court rules. Evangelical preacher Jun Kwang-hoon, who heads the Sarang Jeil Church and has led pro-Yoon protests in Seoul, vowed at a rally outside the president's residence this month to finish the job - begun by Yoon's brief martial law - of "cleansing" the country. If the judges vote to remove Yoon, he said: "We will mobilise the people's right to resist and blow them away with one stroke of the sword". Jun is under investigation by police for suspected incitement of insurrection in connection with the January attack on the courthouse. The church said in a statement to Reuters that his rhetoric did not carry any violent messages, while a separate statement on its website said it would comply with the police investigation. Many Protestant churches in South Korea, like conservative churches elsewhere, have been advocating for social causes for years, including to block LGBT events and laws that would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination. The anti-impeachment drive takes them further into political activism, as they grapple with a decline in followers. Just four in 10 South Koreans identified as having religious faith in a 2021 Gallup Korea poll, down from 50% in 2014. Only 22% of those aged 19 to 29 said they were religious, the poll said, with 14% saying they were Protestants. Some religious organisations have criticised the pro-Yoon activism, with a task force of the National Council of Churches calling Save Korea a "political group disguised with a Christian facade". Save Korea said the group does not support any particular political parties. "We are focusing on prayer movements to protect evangelical values and liberal democracy, and it is a misunderstanding to interpret them through a political frame," a spokesperson said.
Reuters
18-03-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
South Korea's firebrand pastors flock to impeached president's cause
Summary Activist churches rally against Yoon impeachment as court decision nears Pro-Yoon rallies draw thousands, heated rhetoric raises fears of clashes Critics see church activism as a bid for influence amid rising secularism SEOUL, March 18 (Reuters) - When South Korea's Constitutional Court rules on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment, expected in coming days, few will be watching more closely - or be watched more closely for possible rabble-rousing - than the country's activist pro-Yoon churches. Outspoken pastors and their flocks have emerged among the conservative president's most vocal supporters, demanding in mass rallies, online videos and lawmakers' speeches that he be restored to office after his impeachment over a martial law declaration in December. Invoking their religious faith and ardent anti-communism, they have doubled down on support for Yoon and cast his impeachment not as the reining in of a rogue leader, but as an existential threat to the fight against North Korea and other enemies. Critics from other religious and political groups, meanwhile, see the churches' strident rhetoric also as a ploy for attention and influence, amid a wider struggle with rising secularism and shrinking congregations. "This shows they want to exercise power and demonstrate that they are still influential in South Korean society," said Sukwhan Sung, a theology professor who heads the Center for City and Community, a Seoul-based research organisation. The rallies and agitating have helped to power a comeback by Yoon's party in the court of public opinion. Polling shows they now lag the opposition by just four percentage points, compared with a 24-point deficit in December, according to Gallup Korea. Leading this anti-impeachment charge is Save Korea, a religious advocacy group set up in the wake of Yoon's martial law declaration. Thousands of supporters have attended its rallies, including one in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that police estimated drew more than 50,000 people. "At first, everyone had doubts about martial law. But many have been enlightened thanks to Save Korea," said Bae Ji-hyun, who was attending her third Save Korea protest in Seoul on March 8. Other attendees at the group's "national emergency prayer meeting" carried signs saying "Yes to Martial Law" and "Stop the Steal" - the latter echoing unsubstantiated claims by both Yoon and U.S. President Donald Trump of widespread election fraud. Lawmakers from Yoon's ruling party have also appealed to religion in their protests. A group that gathered around the Constitutional Court last week prayed that God would move the hearts of the judges, while one told reporters that South Korea was fighting a "spiritual war against dark forces". HEATED RHETORIC Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration sought to ban all political activities and ordered media under military control, as he vowed to root out "pro-North Korea" and "anti-state" forces in the country and to end opposition gridlock. Although the declaration was withdrawn after only six hours, it triggered large-scale anti-Yoon protests and a parliamentary vote on Dec. 14 to impeach him. Counter-protests by Yoon supporters steadily gathered steam, especially around the time of his arrest on Jan. 15, and pro-Yoon activists stormed a court in late January after it extended his detention. He was released on March 8 and is awaiting a decision by the Constitutional Court, which will have the final word on whether he should be ousted from the presidency or restored to power. In the meantime, heated rhetoric at gatherings of Yoon supporters has raised concerns about clashes, and police are preparing for unrest from either side when the court rules. Evangelical preacher Jun Kwang-hoon, who heads the Sarang Jeil Church and has led pro-Yoon protests in Seoul, vowed at a rally outside the president's residence this month to finish the job - begun by Yoon's brief martial law - of "cleansing" the country. If the judges vote to remove Yoon, he said: "We will mobilise the people's right to resist and blow them away with one stroke of the sword". Jun is under investigation by police for suspected incitement of insurrection in connection with the January attack on the courthouse. The church said in a statement to Reuters that his rhetoric did not carry any violent messages, while a separate statement on its website said it would comply with the police investigation. Many Protestant churches in South Korea, like conservative churches elsewhere, have been advocating for social causes for years, including to block LGBT events and laws that would prohibit anti-LGBT discrimination. The anti-impeachment drive takes them further into political activism, as they grapple with a decline in followers. Just four in 10 South Koreans identified as having religious faith in a 2021 Gallup Korea poll, down from 50% in 2014. Only 22% of those aged 19 to 29 said they were religious, the poll said, with 14% saying they were Protestants. Some religious organisations have criticised the pro-Yoon activism, with a task force of the National Council of Churches calling Save Korea a "political group disguised with a Christian facade". Save Korea said the group does not support any particular political parties. "We are focusing on prayer movements to protect evangelical values and liberal democracy, and it is a misunderstanding to interpret them through a political frame," a spokesperson said.
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)
