Sixth mass protest to target undecided lawmakers over impeachment

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Tue, September 26, 2023 | 04:40

Sixth mass protest to target undecided lawmakers over impeachment

Posted : 2016-12-02 17:15

Updated : 2016-12-02 21:28

Mobile network company trucks are parked in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul, Friday, working on the communication network system in preparation for the sixth weekly rally to be held Saturday. / Yonhap

Part of protest scheduled in Yeouido to express disappointment

By Chung Hyun-chae

The sixth mass protest against President Park Geun-hye on Saturday is expected to include a rally on Yeouido, home of the National Assembly, to express the people's anger against politicians.

"We resented the irresponsibility of the ruling Saenuri Party, which we think is accomplice to President Park Geun-hye," said Han Seon-beom, a spokesperson for the rally's organizers. "There have been calls to hold a protest march to the National Assembly."

He said participants would rally in front of Saenuri Party headquarters on Yeouido at 2 p.m. and would then join the main rally in Gwanghwamun Square at 6 p.m.
On Friday evening, protesters holding candles were already gathering in front of Saenuri Party headquarters.

Public anger is directed at ruling party members who reject calls to impeach the President, especially after her speech on Monday, and opposition party members who could not agree on the details of her impeachment by Friday afternoon.

"We can see a democratic curse," wrote internet user zitterswee***. "Although more than 96 percent of the people distrust the President, foolish lawmakers are unable to kick her out."

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Han said, "They have no right to decide on Park's presidency. We will demand that the Saenuri Party disband."

The three opposition parties proposed a motion for impeachment on Friday, which will be put to vote on Dec. 9. The passage needs at least 200 votes in the 300-member National Assembly. The opposition parties will need help from dissenters in the ruling party to get enough votes.

Earlier this week, people used phones and social media to express their outrage against politicians.

Rep. Kim Moo-sung of the ruling Saenuri Party on Thursday had his phone bombarded with pro-impeachment messages from constituents after wavering on previous statements supporting impeachment.

Phone numbers for all 128 Saenuri members were leaked to the public, and the party administration said it would investigate the source of the leak.

People's Party interim leader Park Jie-won had his official homepage frozen temporarily on Thursday by torrents of visitors to his site after he left a Facebook message implying hesitation to impeachment.

According to the organizers, Saturday's protest at Gwanghwamun Square will continue to focus on President Park's immediate resignation.

"I hope President Park will step down willingly before the situation further escalates, regretting her wrongdoings," said Kim Ha-yun, a professor at Pai Chai University.
Starting at 4 p.m., protesters will march toward Cheong Wa Dae.

hcchung@ktimes.com