On Dec. 25, Christmas Day, rallies calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol and counter-rallies opposing it were held simultaneously across Seoul.

On Dec. 25, Progressive Party Standing Representative Kim Jae-yeon and others hold a 'Progressive Party Insurrection Leader Yoon Suk-yeol Arrest Rally' near the President's residence in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

The Progressive Party held a rally criticizing the government at 3 p.m. near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong. Approximately 700 people attended, according to unofficial police estimates (about 1,000 according to the organizers). Participants chanted slogans such as "The Christmas gift is impeachment" and "Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, immediately."

Hong Hee-jin, co-leader of the Progressive Party, noted that "President Yoon refused the second summons by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials" and said, "I think participants gathered in Hannam-dong with the belief that they cannot allow the ringleader of rebellion to rest peacefully on Christmas."

At the same time, a candlelight cultural festival titled “Expel Yoon Suk-yeol, dissolve the People Power Party” was held at the entrance of the Green Square in Songhyeong, Jongno-gu, sponsored by a civic group called Candlelight Action. About 800 people participated according to unofficial police estimates, and participants chanted slogans such as “Arrest is the answer” and “Dissolve the People Power Party for a Merry Christmas” along with carol music.

Kim Ji-seon, co-leader of Seoul Candlelight Action, encouraged the attendees by saying, "Jesus, who stands with the lowest people, is already with you, holding a light stick."

On Christmas, Dec. 25, Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church speaks during a Christmas celebration service held in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul. /Courtesy of News1

Meanwhile, rallies opposing impeachment were also held by conservative groups. Sarang Jeil Church, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, held a nationwide Christmas service in front of the Donghwa Duty-Free Shop in Jongno-gu that morning. Unofficial police estimates put attendance at about 4,000 people (20,000 according to the organizers).

Pastor Jeon appealed for support to the president, saying, "To reinstate President Yoon, 10 million people need to gather at the Gwanghwamun rally on Saturday, the 28th."

At 2 p.m. that day, conservative groups such as the New Freedom Coalition held a 'President Protection Rally' near the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, with unofficial police estimates of about 1,000 people (20,000 according to the organizers) gathered.