Rallies in Seoul commemorate, oppose ex-President Yoon’s ouster on 1st anniversary

Published on April 4, 2026

Thousands of people took to the streets in central Seoul on April 4 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the ousting of former President Yoon Seok-youl. The rallies underscored a polarized political landscape, with supporters and opponents of Yoon gathering in large numbers to express their views.

Pro-Yoon demonstrators, clad in the national colors and carrying banners emblazoned with pro-democracy messages, argued that his removal was unjustified and politically motivated. Many expressed their disappointment with the current administration and called for a return to what they viewed as Yoon’s more favorable policies. “We are here to demand justice for a leader who was wrongfully ousted,” said one participant. “Yoon fought for our rights, and we must stand .”

Conversely, a sizable contingent of anti-Yoon protesters also made their voices heard, condemning the former president’s tenure and the issues that led to his impeachment. Holding placards that read “No to authoritarianism” and “We need change,” these activists argued that Yoon’s presidency was marked mismanagement. “We must learn from the past and strive for a better future,” stated a representative from the anti-Yoon faction. “His removal was necessary to restore democracy.”

The contrasting rallies highlighted the deep divisions within South Korean society, as debates surrounding Yoon’s leadership continue to resonate. The anniversary of his ouster has become a flashpoint for discussions about accountability and governance in the country, with both sides asserting the legitimacy of their claims.

The police maintained a strong presence to ensure the rallies remained peaceful, facilitating the expression of dissent while preventing any potential conflicts between the opposing groups. Authorities reported that the demonstrations largely proceeded without incident, allowing both sides to air their grievances in a manner reflective of South Korea’s robust democratic traditions.

As the day concluded, both groups vowed to continue advocating for their respective causes, signaling that the debate over Yoon’s presidency—and the deeply entrenched political divisions within South Korea—will likely persist.

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