Feb 19 β€’ 08:04 UTC πŸ‡°πŸ‡· Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Hwang Kyo-ahn Shouting 'President Yoon Suk-yeol'... Also Striking a Tree with His Flag

Thousands gathered to support former President Yoon Suk-yeol as a court issued a life sentence for his insurrection charge, leading to clashes between supporters and opposition citizens.

The political tension in South Korea reached a boiling point as approximately 2,000 supporters of former President Yoon Suk-yeol protested following a court's first-instance judgment acknowledging severe criminal offenses against him, specifically insurrection. The rally, marked by shouts of 'Acquit President Yoon Suk-yeol' and display of national flags, witnessed chaotic moments where a supporter attempted to strike a camera with a flagpole before being removed from the stage. In stark contrast, citizens advocating for Yoon's harsh punishment celebrated the ruling, indicating a significant division in public opinion over the former president's actions.

On the day of Yoon's life sentence, the atmosphere around the Seoul court building was tumultuous, as cheers and screams echoed amid the political supporters and those demanding accountability. Notable among the supporters was Hwang Kyo-ahn, the leader of the Liberty and Innovation party, who advocated for Yoon, declaring him a wronged leader. His fervent remarks fueled extreme responses from the crowd, some calling for riots. Videos captured the intensity of the emotions, from joyful supporters expressing anger towards the judicial decisions to opposition citizens who cried in relief at the pronounced sentence, despite feeling it inadequate.

The incident has sparked polarized reactions, showcasing not only the fervent support for Yoon from his party but also revealing the underlying issues of perceived injustice in the political arena. Opposition figures, including lawmakers from the Democratic Party, expressed concerns that the life sentence was still insufficient, emphasizing a societal hunger for accountability. As the nation grapples with this political crisis, the implications of the event underline the precarious balance within South Korea's democracy and legal system, highlighting the emotional and political divisions among its citizens.

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