Protesters calling for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol react after the results of the second martial regulation impeachment vote outdoors the Nationwide Meeting in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Photograph 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 regulation.
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 not less than 200,000 had gathered to name for his removing, Ok-pop tunes rang out and protesters hooted and hugged one another as his removing was confirmed.
“I’m so completely happy that it’s arduous 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 Ok-pop tune that turned a protest anthem.
And regardless of the overwhelming crowd making it virtually not possible 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 superb that we, the individuals, have pulled this off collectively?” Choi Jung-ha, 52, who danced on the street after the vote, advised AFP.
‘A greater future’
Hundreds had gathered forward of the vote in entrance of the Nationwide Meeting, with the sounds of Ok-pop bangers like Psy’s “Gangnam Type” ringing out.
A gaggle of moms additionally organized diaper altering stations and heat tents for younger youngsters to play in.
“I need to give them a greater future, like another father or mother desires,” mentioned Kim Ji-woo, pointing to her 18-month-old twins.
“I hope they’ll be capable 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 regulation impeachment vote outdoors the Nationwide Meeting in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Photograph by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
Kim Deuk-yun, 58, held a flag that learn: “Nationwide Weekend Climbers Affiliation”.
“I used to be speculated to go mountain climbing in the present day, as I do each weekend. I actually do love mountain climbing,” he advised AFP.
“However I got here right here as an alternative to assist 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 like the musical known as ‘Pirates’, and I’m right here with my buddies who additionally get pleasure from musicals,” she advised AFP.
“After all, the primary cause I’m right here is to name for Yoon’s impeachment, however it’s additionally fantastic to be with individuals who share my passions.”
‘My responsibility as a citizen’
One other protester held an indication displaying a sleeping anime character imploring lawmakers to “Impeach Yoon Suk Yeol! Let’s return underneath 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 responsibility as a citizen. I didn’t have to assume twice,” he mentioned.
Saturday’s vote had been removed from sure — opposition lawmakers had wanted to persuade eight parliamentarians from Yoon’s conservative Folks Energy Celebration (PPP) to modify sides.
Ultimately, 12 seem to have defected.
Lee Yong-ju, 55, advised AFP he by no means had any doubts.
“It might have been tough for ruling MPs to disregard the rising public calls,” he mentioned.
Individuals who known as for the ouster of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol depart post-it notes on a bus in Seoul on December 14, 2024. (Photograph by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)
With the impeachment, Yoon has been suspended from workplace whereas South Korea’s Constitutional Court docket deliberates on the vote.
The courtroom has 180 days to rule on Yoon’s future.
However those that rallied weren’t frightened.
“I’m 100% sure the Constitutional Court docket will facet with the impeachment.”
Protester Kim In-jeong, 32, advised AFP he had struggled to sleep for the reason that martial regulation announcement.
“I might fear that once I get up within the morning, the nation is perhaps in ruins,” she mentioned.
“At this time, I lastly really feel like I can loosen up and go to mattress feeling relieved and protected.”