Seoul: Civic groups across South Korea gathered for the second consecutive day to call on President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down following his attempt to impose martial law. Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and other civic groups organized protests in Gyeryong and various locations in South Chungcheong Province, beginning at 7:40 a.m., demanding Yoon's resignation.According to Yonhap News Agency, protestors held banners with messages such as "Nullification of illegal emergency martial law is victory for democracy" and "Immediately arrest treasonous criminal Yoon Suk Yeol and his accomplices." They urged the public to participate in the collective action, emphasizing the need to hold President Yoon accountable for his actions. The protestors criticized Yoon for turning back the clock of the Republic of Korea by 44 years and demanded accountability for the 155 minutes during which martial law was in effect before the National Assembly intervened.The civic groups have scheduled resolu tion meetings starting at 5 p.m. in central cities such as Cheonan and Daejeon, as well as in front of Seosan City Hall. In Chungju, eight local council members affiliated with the main opposition Democratic Party held a press conference demanding Yoon's immediate resignation, accusing him of completely destroying the spirit of the Constitution with his martial law declaration. They described the declaration as a challenge against the people and an act that undermines the foundation of democracy.In Gwangju, a network of 86 civic groups plans to hold a rally at 7 p.m. at the May 18 Democracy Square, a site commemorating the 1980 pro-democracy uprising. Other regions, including Busan, North Jeolla Province, and Gangwon Province, are also expected to witness rallies and candlelight vigils later in the day.
- September 13, 2026
