Seoul, April 5: Thousands of protesters gathered in central Seoul on Saturday to show support for former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, just a day after the Constitutional Court unanimously removed him from office for attempting to impose martial law and undermine civilian rule.
Chanting slogans like “Impeachment is invalid!” and “Nullify the snap election!” Yoon’s backers, many braving heavy rain, rallied in defiance of Friday’s ruling, which also triggered fresh elections to be held by June.
“The Constitutional Court’s decision destroyed our country’s free democracy,” said Yang Joo-young, 26. “Speaking as someone in my 20s or 30s, I’m deeply worried about the future.”
The court found Yoon’s December 3 declaration of martial law posed a “grave threat” to national stability, ending months of political turmoil marked by weekly rival rallies in the capital and growing polarization.
While some citizens celebrated the ruling—embracing and weeping in relief—Yoon’s remaining support has largely come from far-right circles, including extreme religious leaders and right-wing online influencers. Experts say these groups have leveraged misinformation to maintain public backing.
“Yoon’s presidency has revealed the societal cracks based on political polarisation and misinformation,” said Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral fellow at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute.
Yoon had claimed his martial law move was essential to counter “anti-state forces” and alleged threats from North Korea. The court’s ruling has now ended his presidency and left South Korea bracing for a pivotal election season.
