By Kim Bo-eun
Gwanghwamun was filled with opposing groups of protesters over the weekend, a year after large-scale rallies began calling for the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.
A group representing the bereaved family members of the Sewol tragedy gathered at Gwanghwamun Square, denouncing Cheong Wa Dae’s alleged fixing of records of reports of the ferry’s sinking to the former president.
Earlier this month, Cheong Wa Dae disclosed that records had been manipulated under the Park administration so reports about the ferry’s sinking were made 30 minutes later than they were actually made.
“In 30 minutes, the lives of 304 victims could have been saved,” a family member said at the rally.
Earlier in the day, a group of office workers called for the arrest of former President Lee Myung-bak, for his alleged irregularities such as the manipulation of public opinion in the 2012 presidential race, as well as defense sector corruption and failed resource diplomacy.
“Lee was able to avoid investigations into the irregularities he committed during his term, by helping Park become president through manipulation of public opinion,” members said.
Meanwhile, ultra-conservative supporters of Park gathered in front of Daehanmun, the front gate of Deoksu Palace across from City Hall, to protest the extension of Park’s detention.
Around 35,000 supporters also gathered at Marronnier Park in Daehangno, northeastern Seoul.
“Park was unfairly impeached, and now has become subject to murderous political retaliation as well as confinement,” they said.
They denounced the Liberty Korea Party (LKP) ethics committee’s approval of the request for Park to leave the party, calling for LPK Chairman Hong Joon-pyo to step down.
The rallies are bound to continue for the time being.
The civic group that led the move to impeach Park will hold a rally marking the anniversary of its first protest on Oct. 29, 2016, at Gwanghwamun Square this coming Saturday.
Sewol tragedy rallies will be held every Saturday until the National Assembly passes a bill on investigating tragic societal events.