Anti-president vigil continues on Christmas Eve

Protesters calling for the Constitutional Court's prompt decision to impeach scandal-ridden president Park Geun-hye gathered at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, Dec. 24. The demonstration's organizers counted some 250,000 joining the vigil on Christmas Eve. / Yonhap

By Ko Dong-hwan

Hundreds of thousands of Koreans held anti-President Park Geun-hye rallies for the ninth consecutive weekend on Christmas Eve, Saturday, demanding the Constitutional Court make a faster decision on impeaching the scandal-ridden president.

Park allegedly forced major Korean conglomerates, including Samsung Group, to donate a massive amount of money to two non-profit foundations. She is also suspected of allowing her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil to access confidential state documents and meddle in state affairs, including influencing the appointments of Cabinet members, despite her being a civilian.

Since the scandal surfaced in late October, enraged citizens have taken to the streets in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square and other sites across the country every weekend demanding Park's immediate ouster.

Some 250,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday to join the candlelit vigil and peaceful demonstration. The protesters called for a strict and fair investigation by the special prosecution, which was officially launched on Wednesday, while other demonstrators marched to the Constitutional Court to pressure it to review Park's case as soon as possible.

The president, who denies all accusations, has been suspended from her duties since the National Assembly voted to impeach her on Dec. 9. The Constitutional Court will decide whether or not to unseat the president within 180 days.