Protesters calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol react after the results of the second martial legislation impeachment vote outdoors the Nationwide Meeting in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Picture by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
SEOUL — South Koreans wept and screamed with pleasure in freezing Seoul on Saturday as parliament voted to take away President Yoon Suk Yeol from workplace over his failed bid to impose martial legislation.
Contained in the ornate seat of South Korea’s hard-won democracy, lawmakers voted 204 to 85 to question Yoon for his “insurrectionary” push to droop civilian rule for the primary time in additional than 4 many years.
And out of doors the parliament, the place police mentioned at the very least 200,000 had gathered to name for his elimination, Okay-pop tunes rang out and protesters hooted and hugged one another as his elimination was confirmed.
“I’m so comfortable that it’s onerous to place into phrases,” Yeo So-yeon, 31, advised AFP.
“If it didn’t occur tonight, I used to be planning to return each week anyway. It’s significant to be current at such a historic, joyful second,” she mentioned.
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There have been live performance vibes as protesters sang “Into the New World” — a Okay-pop music that turned a protest anthem.
And regardless of the overwhelming crowd making it virtually inconceivable to maneuver, protesters waved their glow sticks, cheered, danced, and jumped alongside to the music.
They then celebrated with Christmas carols, together with “Silent Evening.”
“The second the impeachment was formally introduced, everybody began crying, together with myself,” Seong Jeong-lim, 42, mentioned.
“We’re the true homeowners of this nation.”
“Isn’t it wonderful that we, the folks, have pulled this off collectively?” Choi Jung-ha, 52, who danced on the street after the vote, advised AFP.
‘A greater future’
1000’s had gathered forward of the vote in entrance of the Nationwide Meeting, with the sounds of Okay-pop bangers like Psy’s “Gangnam Fashion” ringing out.
A gaggle of moms additionally organized diaper altering stations and heat tents for younger kids to play in.
“I need to give them a greater future, like another mother or father desires,” mentioned Kim Ji-woo, pointing to her 18-month-old twins.
“I hope they’ll have the ability to witness historical past,” she added.
Protesters calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol react after the results of the second martial legislation impeachment vote outdoors the Nationwide Meeting in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Picture by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
Kim Deuk-yun, 58, held a flag that learn: “Nationwide Weekend Climbers Affiliation”.
“I used to be purported to go mountain climbing as we speak, as I do each weekend. I actually do love mountain climbing,” he advised AFP.
“However I got here right here as an alternative to help my fellow residents.”
Jung Yoon, 18, was carrying a flag that learn “Nationwide Romantic Pirate Corp.”
“I made this flag as a result of I really like the musical referred to as ‘Pirates’, and I’m right here with my mates who additionally take pleasure in musicals,” she advised AFP.
“After all, the principle purpose I’m right here is to name for Yoon’s impeachment, nevertheless it’s additionally great to be with individuals who share my passions.”
‘My obligation as a citizen’
One other protester held an indication displaying a sleeping anime character imploring lawmakers to “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! Let’s return below the blankets.”
And Cho Hyun-woo mentioned he had taken the primary prepare within the morning all the best way from the southern port metropolis of Busan to take part within the protest.
“It’s my obligation as a citizen. I didn’t have to suppose twice,” he mentioned.
Saturday’s vote had been removed from sure — opposition lawmakers had wanted to persuade eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative Individuals Energy Occasion (PPP) to change sides.
In the long run, 12 seem to have defected.
Lee Yong-ju, 55, advised AFP he by no means had any doubts.
“It might have been troublesome for ruling MPs to disregard the rising public calls,” he mentioned.
Individuals who referred to as for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol depart post-it notes on a bus in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Picture by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from workplace whereas South Korea’s Constitutional Courtroom deliberates on the vote.
The court docket has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s future.
However those that rallied weren’t fearful.
“I’m 100% sure the Constitutional Courtroom will aspect with the impeachment.”
Protester Kim In-jeong, 32, advised AFP he had struggled to sleep for the reason that martial legislation announcement.
“I might fear that once I get up within the morning, the nation could be in ruins,” she mentioned.
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“At present, I lastly really feel like I can chill out and go to mattress feeling relieved and secure.”
