Rival protests over South Korea's impeached President Yoon held in Seoul
The Hindu
Updates on pro and anti-Yoon protests in Seoul after impeachment, with no changes to the story text.
Demonstrators supporting and opposing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol held rival protests several hundred metres apart in Seoul on Saturday (December 21, 2024), a week after he was impeached over his short-lived declaration of martial law.
Mr. Yoon's presidential powers are suspended but he remains in office. He has not complied with various summonses by authorities investigating whether martial law, which he declared late on Dec. 3 and rescinded hours later, constituted insurrection.
He has also not responded to attempts to contact him by the Constitutional Court, which decides whether to remove him from office or restore his presidential powers. The court plans to hold its first preparatory hearing on Friday (December 20, 2024).
Saturday's (December 21, 2024) pro- and anti-Yoon protests were held in Gwanghwamun in the heart of the capital. There were no clashes as of 4 p.m. (0700 GMT)
Tens of thousands of anti-Yoon protesters, dominated by people in their 20s and 30s, gathered around 3 p.m., waving K-Pop light sticks and signs with sayings such as "Arrest! Imprison! Insurrection chief Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol" to catchy K-pop tunes.
"I wanted to ask Mr. Yoon how he could do this to a democracy in the 21st century, and I think if he really has a conscience, he should step down," said 27-year-old Cho Sung-hyo.
Several thousand pro-Yoon protesters, chiefly older and more conservative people opposing Mr. Yoon's removal and supporting the a restoration of his powers, had gathered since around midday.
Poland and Hungary clash over asylum for wanted politician, sparking diplomatic tensions within the European Union.
Bangladesh and Pakistan leaders discuss SAARC revival, trade, and resolving 1971 issues for future generations.
As Paris devised a new Military strategy that would sharply reduce its permanent troop presence in Africa, two of its closest allies Chad and Senegal struck a double blow..
Biden administration cancels federal student loans for 55,000 workers through Public Service Loan Forgiveness, totaling $180 billion relief.
Malaysia approves new search for MH370 with Ocean Infinity, no payment unless wreckage found.
Commerce Minister Goyal and EU Trade Commissioner discuss progress and challenges in proposed free trade agreement negotiations.
Russian missile attack on Kyiv kills one, injures nine; retaliation for Ukrainian strike with Western-supplied weapons.
Renowned percussionist Zakir Hussain laid to rest in San Francisco as musicians pay tribute at his funeral.
U.S. colleges advise international students to return before Trump's inauguration due to potential travel bans, urging caution.
Man suspected in triple homicide in central Illinois killed by police in suburban Chicago after opening fire on officers.
China emerges as the leading debt collector globally, with countries owing over 25% of their bilateral external debt to China.