When the Constitutional Court dismissed the National Assembly's impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on the 24th, protesters gathered near the court cheering against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol.
As reports emerged that the Constitutional Court had dismissed the impeachment motion against the Prime Minister that morning, supporters of President Yoon, gathered near Anguk Station on Seoul Subway Line 3 about 100 meters from the court, erupted in cheers. They chanted ‘Long live the Republic of Korea,’ ‘It has been dismissed,’ and ‘Imprison Lee Jae-myung (leader of the Democratic Party).’
Some supporters waved U.S. flags and South Korean flags, running through the streets with their hands raised in joy. Even about 10 supporters who had been fasting next to the main entrance of the Constitutional Court stood up to cheer and clap.
Among the eight judges of the Constitutional Court, five, including Moon Hyung-bae, Lee Mi-sun, Kim Hyung-doo, Jeong Jeong-mi, and Kim Bok-hyung, voted to dismiss the motion, while two judges, Jeong Hyung-sik and Jo Han-chang, rejected it, and one judge, Jeong Gye-seon, issued a concurring opinion. Supporters of President Yoon directed insults at Judge Jeong Gye-seon, who issued the concurring opinion, calling them ‘red X.’
About 50 people participating in the anti-impeachment rally organized by the Liberty Unification Party near Anguk Station were also pleased with the news of the Prime Minister's return to office. Kim (61), who was waving a U.S. flag, smiled and said, ‘The Democratic Party attempted impeachment but ended up with nine defeats. This is clear evidence that the Republic of Korea is on the right path.’ Park (72), who was cheering at Anguk Station intersection, said, ‘Since the Prime Minister's impeachment has been dismissed, the game is as good as over. Similarly, President Yoon will return.’
Participants in the rally calling for President Yoon's impeachment had a somber atmosphere. Five participants at the rally hosted by ‘Political Wine’ claimed, ‘It is often said that the darkest hour is just before dawn,’ insisting that there would be a concurring decision in the impeachment trial of President Yoon. They also shouted insults toward the Constitutional Court using a loudspeaker.
The police deployed about 900 riot squad members and set up barricades and metal fences around the Constitutional Court in preparation for possible physical clashes and unexpected situations. Following an incident in which Democratic Party member Baek Hye-ryun was hit by an egg during a press conference in front of the Constitutional Court on the 20th, police have been controlling movement within 100 meters of the court. Some protesters raised their voices against the police, who were blocking traffic.
However, some individual protesters succeeded in breaking through the police's control to get close to the Constitutional Court. The police plan to ensure that no one, including members of the National Assembly, gets close to the Constitutional Court on the day of the impeachment ruling for President Yoon.