Tension Mounts as Impeachment Verdict for President Yoon Approaches

As the impeachment ruling for President Yoon Suk-yeol draws near, tension fills the air around the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Supporters of President Yoon have gathered, chanting "Impeachment Invalid" as they await the verdict.

Starting at 10 AM on April 4, the Liberty Unification Party, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, is holding a rally near the Volvo Building, close to the presidential residence. By 9 AM, police estimates indicated that around 1,200 people had gathered, with more expected to join. The rally organizers have reported an anticipated turnout of 50,000 participants opposing the impeachment.

The area around the presidential residence began to fill with attendees around 8 AM, many holding Korean and American flags, sitting resolutely as they awaited the live broadcast of the impeachment ruling.

Chants of "Dismiss the Impeachment" and "Impeachment Invalid" echoed throughout the crowd. Some participants held placards with messages such as "Come Back, Yoon Suk-yeol," "The Train of Justice for Lee Jae-myung is Broken," and "Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae Must Resign." Flags with slogans like "Death for Election Fraud" and "Abolish Early Voting" were also visible.

One speaker on stage declared, "When the Constitutional Court's ruling is announced at 11 AM, our President Yoon Suk-yeol will return," suggesting that he might come out to greet his supporters. This statement was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd.

A banner reading "Hope for a Free Democratic Republic of Korea, Welcome Back President Yoon Suk-yeol" was displayed at the rally. One supporter expressed confidence, stating, "Today, the dismissal will be 5, and the acceptance will be 3, so the impeachment will ultimately be dismissed."

Approximately 500 meters away, at the Ilshin Building, pro-impeachment groups, including Candlelight Action, are holding their own rally. They are seen holding signs that read "Death or Dismissal" and "Immediate Dismissal of Yoon Suk-yeol," calling for action against what they describe as insurrectionist forces.

These demonstrators occupied one lane of Hanam-daero, chanting for Yoon's dismissal. By 9 AM, police estimates indicated around 300 participants at this rally, with organizers reporting an expected turnout of 20,000.

Authorities anticipate that around 50,000 citizens will gather in the Hannam-dong area, deploying 28 riot police units and approximately 2,000 officers to prevent potential clashes. Additionally, the nearby Hangangjin Station on Subway Line 6 has been bypassed by trains since 9 AM due to the large crowds.