"Recently, they even brought tractors. Who are they to invade my living space?"
On the 26th, Oh (42), a resident of Nine One Hannam, a luxurious apartment in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, commented on the recent increase in protests in the area. It was unusually quiet in Hannam-dong that day as there were no protests, and Oh noted, "It's peaceful for a change. On days with large-scale demonstrations, the noise and traffic control are unbearable."
In Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, one of Seoul’s traditional affluent neighborhoods, daily protests for and against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol are causing inconvenience to residents. It began on the 12th when executives of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a rally in downtown Seoul and staged a surprise protest in front of the president's residence in Hannam-dong. On the 22nd, the Korea Peasants League brought 13 tractors to the front of the residence. Groups supporting President Yoon in opposing the impeachment also hold counter rallies here.
The rallies mostly take place on the roads, causing traffic to be controlled. Sometimes, both directions of vehicle traffic are completely blocked on Hannam-daero in front of the residence due to the gatherings. Lee (27), living in Hannam The Hill, expressed, "Thinking about the recent protests makes me feel sick," noting, "If my plans coincide with the protests, I get annoyed and have even canceled appointments because I did not want to go out."
There are residents in "quiet affluent" Hannam-dong who suffer from noise they've never experienced before. Kim (50s), living at Nine One Hannam, stated, "With the security in the complex, there are no concerns about safety from protests or demonstrations, but it's unfortunate that the once quiet neighborhood has become noisy." Lee (30s), residing in a Hannam-dong dwelling, noted, "I can tolerate the noise, but cigarette butts and trash are left on the streets after the protests."
Those continuing their livelihoods here are also affected. Lee (47), operating a café near Hangangjin Station, said, "Our main customers are people who quietly enjoy their coffee or foreign tourists, but they don't visit when there are protests." Kim (50s), a domestic worker working for a household in Nine One Hannam, expressed concern, saying, "I'm worried commuting might become difficult if the pro and anti-impeachment protestors clash."
The Yoon Suk Yeol administration opened the Blue House to the public on the first day of office and installed the presidential office in the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan to strengthen communication with the public. Instead of using the residence within the Blue House grounds, the existing Minister of Foreign Affairs' residence, 3.2 kilometers away, was remodeled to become the presidential residence.
Kim (67), who has lived in a Hannam-dong dwelling for over 20 years, remarked, "There is not a single good thing with the establishment of the residence; traffic is controlled when the president commutes, and protests have increased." Kim added, "I don't understand why all the residents are made uncomfortable. I hope the next administration uses the Blue House."
A supporter of President Yoon said they could endure the daily protests. Choi (30s), residing in a Hannam-dong dwelling, stated, "Of course, it's inconvenient, but I can endure it because I support President Yoon. If the Constitutional Court dismisses the impeachment proposal, Hannam-dong might get noisier, but I am waiting for the dismissal decision."