On May 15, a rally supporting and opposing the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol was simultaneously held on 'Geumnam-ro' street in Gwangju, a symbol of the 5.18 democratic movement.
The 'Immediate Resignation of the Yoon Suk-yeol Regime and Social Reform Gwangju Emergency Action (Gwangju Emergency Action)' composed of over 170 civic and social organizations in the Gwangju area held the 14th Gwangju Citizen's General Assembly from 2:20 p.m. on Geumnam-ro 1 and 2, which has eight lanes in both directions.
The organizers of the pro-impeachment rally stated, "About 20,000 gathered," while the opposing side claimed, "More than 10,000 attended."
The stage for the pro-impeachment rally was set up on Geumnam-ro 2. Throughout the 260-meter stretch of the street, placards were displayed with messages such as 'Arrest Kim Keon-hee too' and 'The coup has not ended!'
The main stage for the pro-impeachment side was located 70 meters away from the main stage of the anti-impeachment rally.
Participants held up signs that read 'Release the president' or 'Verify the election fraud' and listened attentively to the speakers at the podium.
After the worship-style rally, popular speaker Jeon Han-gil, a Korean history instructor, took the stage. Rally participants cheered and welcomed him by chanting his name.
The police set up barriers between the two stages using five buses and other vehicles to prepare for possible clashes.