"Criticism Towards Ji Gwi-yeon and Shim Woo-jung… 'Punish the Conspiracy of Rebellion'"

Former Minister of Justice Kim Yong-hyun was indicted on charges of rebellion, and on the first weekend following this development on the 21st, citizens gathered in downtown Seoul to urge a thorough investigation by the special prosecutor. The participants in the rally demanded, "The main perpetrators of the rebellion must be brought to justice," and called for the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, Kim Geon-hee, and related judicial and prosecution personnel.

The civic group 'Candlelight Action' held the '145th Candlelight March for Rebellion and Social Reform' around 4 PM near the subway line 2 at the Gyodae Station in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The organizers stated that "the indictment of Kim Yong-hyun is only the beginning" and announced plans for continued street actions in conjunction with checks on the rebellion special prosecution team.

"Released Rebels Raise Concerns… Citizens Must Monitor"

Candlelight Action emphasized in a statement, "In a situation where major figures involved in the rebellion are being released one after another, along with the release of Yoon Suk-yeol, public anxiety is growing," and added, "While the indictment of Kim Yong-hyun is commendable, if the special prosecutor hesitates or wavers, the citizens will have no choice but to take action."

On this day, approximately 600 citizens gathered according to police estimates, chanting slogans such as "Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Geon-hee" and "Investigate Ji Gwi-yeon and Shim Woo-jung for colluding to release the rebels." Participants strongly condemned not only Yoon and Kim but also Judge Ji Gwi-yeon of the Seoul Central District Court, who canceled the detention decision, as well as Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung, who is embroiled in allegations of a 'secret phone call' with the presidential office.

Kim Ji-sun, co-representative of Seoul Candlelight Action, raised her voice, stating, "Judge Ji Gwi-yeon released the rebels as if he were letting them escape from prison, effectively abandoning the trial," and added, "He should be impeached immediately and included in the scope of the special prosecutor's investigation."

"Inclusion of Yoon Suk-yeol’s Associates in the Special Prosecutor Team" … Appointments Under Scrutiny

Candlelight Action also raised concerns about the personnel composition of the rebellion special prosecution team. Kim Min-woong, the standing representative of Candlelight Action, stated, "Political prosecutors who have conspired in the rebellion are participating as special prosecutors," arguing, "It is contradictory for those who worked with Yoon Suk-yeol to be included in the special prosecution team, undermining its independence and trust."

Currently, the special prosecution team for the rebellion consists of a total of six special prosecutors, of which five, including Kim Hyung-soo, Park Eok-soo, Park Ji-young, Park Tae-ho, and Lee Yoon-jae, are known to be from the prosecution's office. Candlelight Action reiterated the need for an independent investigation that does not rely on political prosecutors.

In the declaration read at the end of the rally, Candlelight Action demanded the arrest of former President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, the dissolution of the People Power Party, the disbandment of the prosecution, and the restoration of the September 19th inter-Korean military agreement, announcing plans for future rallies.

Gwanghwamun Counter-Rally 'Faint'… Free Unification Party Rally Without Jeon Kwang-hoon Draws 60 Participants

On the other hand, at 2 PM on the same day, in front of the Donghwa Duty-Free Shop at Gwanghwamun, the Free Unification Party led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon held a 'National Assembly to Eradicate Juche Thought.' The organizers reported an attendance of 10,000, but only about 60 individuals actually participated. On this day, Pastor Jeon did not appear at the scene.

The Free Unification Party shouted slogans about "eliminating anti-state forces," but compared to nearly 60,000 people gathering in past weekends for rallies against the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol last March, the atmosphere on this day was significantly subdued.

Image Source: Left is Former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, Right is President Yoon Suk-yeol / News1, News1, First Lady Kim Geon-hee / News1