Hundreds of thousands of protesters brave shivering cold as Yoon faces fateful impeachment vote

Citizens gathers in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido Seoulcalling for President Yoons impeachment on December 7 2024 AJP Han Jun-gu — People gather in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on Dec. 7, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu

SEOUL, December 7 (AJP) - Despite the freezing weather, hundreds of thousands of people gathered near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on Saturday, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol step down.

Yoon faces a fateful impeachment vote after his short-lived martial law declaration earlier this week, which sparked nationwide outrage.

Police estimated that around 149,000 people had gathered as of 5:30 p.m., as many citizens and civic groups packed the streets.

The police control protesters entry to the National Assembly building in Yeouido Seoul on December 7 2024 AJP Han Jun-gu — Police control protesters' entry to the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul on Dec. 7, 2024. AJP Han Jun-gu

Protesters from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) including lawyers, various civic groups and other labor unions, held a pre-rally in Yeouido before joining a candlelight march nationwide.

The union criticized Yoon's overnight martial law declaration on Tuesday, calling it an "act of treason" and demanding the dissolution of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), which opposes his impeachment.

Protesters also called for the immediate arrest and impeachment of the president.

Meanwhile, subway trains are bypassing Yeouido Station, and the area near National Assembly Station including the southern section of Seogang Bridge is fully blocked.

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com

Hundreds of thousands of protesters brave shivering cold as Yoon faces fateful impeachment vote

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