Hundreds of thousands of South Koreans rallied for and against impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as the country\u2019s Constitutional Court weighs whether to dismiss him. On Saturday, main streets through central Seoul were filled with rival protesters, carrying political signs and waving flags despite the cold weather. Yoon has been suspended from office since the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly impeached him over his December 3 martial law decree, which plunged the country into political turmoil. The Constitutional Court is deliberating whether to formally dismiss or reinstate him. If he is removed, there will be an election to replace him within two months. \u201cThe people are overwhelmed with fatigue and frustration as \u2026 the ongoing crises remain unresolved,\u201d Lee Han-sol, who was protesting for Yoon\u2019s dismissal, told the AFP news agency. \u201cThe ongoing delays have led to a growing sense of scepticism.\u201d But Yoon supporters, whose members include right-wing YouTubers and religious figures, told AFP his impeachment trial is unlawful. \u201cThe Constitutional Court won\u2019t be able to ignore us. Look at us, there are so many of us here,\u201d said Lee Hye-sook, 58. Yoon, a former prosecutor, was detained in a dawn raid in January on insurrection charges but was released in early March on procedural grounds. He has remained defiant throughout and blamed a \u201cmalicious\u201d opposition. A Gallup Korea poll released earlier this month showed 58 percent of respondents supported Yoon\u2019s removal. The Constitutional Court was given 180 days from the time it took on Yoon\u2019s impeachment case to issue a ruling, meaning it has until June to decide his fate. It has typically issued rulings within weeks for past presidential impeachment cases, but it has taken longer over Yoon\u2019s case, without providing a reason. At least six of the court\u2019s eight justices must vote to remove Yoon. South Korea will hold a snap election within 60 days if the court upholds Yoon\u2019s impeachment. The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, is regarded as the top contender for the next presidential election but faces legal challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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