Tens of thousands of supporters gathered across Seoul on Saturday, rallying behind South Korea’s two leading presidential hopefuls just days before a pivotal election. The rally comes amid heightened tension following the controversial declaration of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, which sparked widespread political upheaval and led to his impeachment and removal from office.
The upcoming election marks a turning point after months of turmoil ignited by Yoon’s brief suspension of civilian governance in December. Polls show a clear lead for liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung, with a recent Gallup survey indicating that nearly half of respondents 49 percent consider him the best candidate. Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo from the conservative People Power Party (PPP), Yoon’s former party, trails behind at 35 percent.
Organizers from both camps anticipated massive turnouts, with supporters rallying in various parts of Seoul. In Seocho, supporters of Lee Jae-myung held signs condemning Yoon’s “insurrection,” with one supporter, Lee Kyung-joon, expressing confidence in Lee’s victory. “I believe the outcome of the presidential election is already decided,” he said, emphasizing his stance against those involved in the martial law attempt.
Yoon Suk Yeol, now on trial for insurrection, remains a central figure in the political tension. Kwon Oh-hyeok, a rally organizer supporting Lee, stressed the importance of a decisive victory for the opposition to hold Yoon accountable. “The People Power Party’s decision to run in the snap election triggered by Yoon’s removal is an insult and a betrayal of the people,” Kwon declared. “We must win by a landslide to deliver the justice this moment demands.”
Across town in Gwanghwamun Square, supporters of Yoon and other conservatives displayed signs advocating for his return, including slogans like “Yoon Again” and “Early voting is invalid.” Yoon’s controversial martial law declaration, which he claimed was necessary to “root out” pro-North Korean and “anti-state” forces, has emboldened far-right groups, YouTubers, and radical religious factions. Many have spread unverified claims of Chinese espionage and electoral fraud, fueling fears of interference and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
The political climate remains tense as South Korea approaches a critical juncture, with supporters on both sides fiercely campaigning amid allegations and accusations that threaten to influence the nation’s democratic integrity.
+ There are no comments
Add yours