Massive rallies in South Korea ahead of ruling on impeachment of President Yoon

The political crisis in South Korea has escalated as large crowds gathered in Seoul on Saturday to express support or opposition to impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose fate now rests with the Constitutional Court.

The court is expected to rule in the coming days on whether Yoon should be removed from office, following his controversial imposition of martial law, which lasted only briefly but triggered the nation’s worst political crisis in decades.

In central Seoul, anti-Yoon protesters filled a large square, chanting for his immediate removal. They were joined by opposition politicians who have been vocal in pushing for his ouster.

Just a few blocks away, Yoon’s supporters occupied an entire avenue, waving South Korean and American flags while calling for his return to office.

The Democratic Party, the main opposition force, claimed a million attended the anti-Yoon rally, while police estimates put the number of attendees at 43,000 for each side, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Yoon is also facing a criminal trial for insurrection, though he was released from detention last week.

His decision to impose martial law, and its fallout, has deepened social and political divisions in the country, with institutions and the military caught in a difficult position over how to respond.

For weeks, hundreds of thousands of pro- and anti-Yoon demonstrators have taken to the streets, further amplifying the tension.

"Last week, I thought that the Constitutional Court would rule, but it didn’t. Then Yoon was released, making me incredibly frustrated," said Song Young-sun, a 48-year-old protester. "So this week I came here, hoping that the Constitutional Court will rule on the impeachment case next week."

According to a Gallup Korea poll published on March 14, 58% of respondents supported Yoon’s impeachment, while 37% opposed it.

Meanwhile, pro-Yoon protesters remain hopeful. Kim Hyung-joon, a 70-year-old supporter, said, "I hope that the judges of the Constitutional Court will make a precise judgment and dismiss the case."