By Seda Sevencan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Rival protests filled downtown Seoul on Saturday as tens of thousands demanded South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal, while others rallied for his reinstatement following his controversial martial law declaration, according to media reports.
A civic group near Gwanghwamun Square with 300,000 attendees, demanded Yoon’s arrest, the Yonhap News agency reported.
Conservative supporters, gathering 1 kilometer from Gwanghwamun Square, waved South Korean and US flags, urging Yoon’s return to power. Police reported no clashes.
Similar protests occurred nationwide, including a large rally in Gwangju that wanted Yoon’s impeachment and the ruling party’s dissolution.
Yoon declared martial law Dec. 3, but within hours, 190 lawmakers convened and passed a motion to lift it, forcing him to revoke the order. It led to Yoon’s impeachment by the National Assembly. He remains in office pending a decision by the Constitutional Court.
The move triggered widespread outrage and calls for Yoon’s resignation, including from members of his own People Power Party.
Yoon has since been suspended from his duties pending a Constitutional Court trial on his impeachment. He faces allegations of treason, insurrection and other serious charges.