Thousands rally in South Korea as President Yoon’s impeachment ruling nears

Thousands of South Korean protesters supporting and opposing president Yoon Suk Yeol held rallies across Seoul on Saturday, as the country awaits the ruling of its Constitutional Court on Yoon’s impeachment.

More than 60,000 Yoon supporters gathered along the capital city's central Gwanghwamun Square, according to police estimates. Meanwhile, around 18,000 anti-Yoon protesters rallied near the Constitutional Court for Yoon’s removal from office.

Yoon faces being removed from office less than three years into his five-year presidency if the court upholds parliament's impeachment, which accused him of declaring martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, with no justifiable constitutional grounds.

The Constitutional Court has not said when it will deliver its ruling on Yoon but has up to six months from Dec. 14, when it registered the case. If Yoon is removed, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days.