South Korea prepares for large demonstrations in response to Yoon's removal from office.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in Seoul this Saturday for large-scale rallies either in support of or against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. The nation is still grappling with the aftermath of Yoon's failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3rd. The rallies will take place in various locations in central Seoul, including Gwanghwamun, Jongno, and Yeouido. As a result, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and city government have implemented traffic and crowd control measures.

The political divide has intensified as Yoon's impeachment hearings concluded earlier this week and the Constitutional Court has now begun deliberations on whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. In response, a progressive civic group called Candlelight Action will hold a "candlelight cultural festival" near Anguk Station at 2 p.m. The main opposition party, the Democratic Party, along with four other opposition parties, will also hold a rally at the same location at 3:30 p.m. with a planned march at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, conservative activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon will lead rallies in the Gwanghwamun area to protest Yoon's impeachment and march towards the Constitutional Court. A separate conservative Christian group, Save Korea, will hold a prayer meeting near Yeouido, according to Yonhap news agency.

The Constitutional Court is expected to make a decision on Yoon's impeachment by mid-March. The trial has concluded after 11 rounds and 73 days, following the National Assembly's vote to impeach Yoon for his brief declaration of martial law on December 3rd. The impeachment motion accuses Yoon of violating the Constitution and laws by declaring martial law without a national emergency and disregarding proper procedures, such as holding a Cabinet meeting and notifying Parliament.

In his defense, Yoon has argued that his declaration of martial law was a necessary act of governance to caution the opposition party for their frequent impeachments of government officials and attempts to cut the budget. If Yoon, who was elected in May 2022 for a single five-year term, is officially removed from office, a snap election will be held within 60 days. However, if the impeachment is rejected, Yoon will immediately resume his duties.

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