I hope it doesn’t happen, but at this point I would be shocked if violence of some kind does not happen after the impeachment decision. I think the violence will be less if Yoon is impeached and greater if he is retained:
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Wednesday urged politicians to avoid making divisive remarks that could lead to violence on Friday, when the Constitutional Court is scheduled to deliver its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
Han’s remark comes amid a deepening partisan rift observed in the National Assembly, coupled with the political turmoil that has gripped the nation since Yoon’s martial law decree in December.
“Now is a time to prioritize the stability and survival of our community over political gain,” Han said during a meeting attended by the heads of the justice, science, defense and interior ministries. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon also attended the meeting, as did the chiefs of police and firefighting agencies.
“I earnestly plead with you to refrain from remarks that can provoke or incite illegal protests or violence. Please show a responsible attitude that contributes to social cohesion rather than (prompting) division and conflict,” he added.
Concerns have mounted over the possibility of violence and clashes on Friday between pro- and anti-Yoon protesters as well as conflict between demonstrators and the police.
This weekend would be a good time for Americans in South Korea to keep a low profile because the potential for violence caused by the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling is a probability:
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul advised American citizens in South Korea on Wednesday to avoid large crowds or demonstrations ahead of the Constitutional Court’s verdict on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
The notice came as the top court is set to rule on Yoon’s impeachment over his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
“In connection with the Constitutional Court’s verdict on the impeachment of President Yoon, U.S. citizens should anticipate large-scale demonstrations and an increased police presence,” the embassy said in a posting on X.
“Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place, and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large crowds, gatherings, protests, or rallies,” it said.
Considering how cheap health care is in South Korea it is not surprising that Koreans are going to the doctor more on average than other countries:
South Koreans on average visit local medical clinics 18 times a year, far exceeding those in other similar countries, a recent report showed.
The report on South Koreans’ health care usage found that the average number of annual outpatient visits per capita reached 18 in 2023. This figure is almost three times the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development average of 6.4 in 2022.
Any bets on if there will be violent riots by anti-Yoon leftists this weekend if Yoon is reinstated or by pro-Yoon protesters if the impeachment is upheld?:
The Constitutional Court said it will deliver its ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment at 11 a.m. Friday, raising hopes of an end to the political turmoil that has gripped the nation since his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.
The verdict will be delivered from the court and live broadcasts will be allowed, along with the attendance of members of the public, the court said in a notice to the press Tuesday.
The ruling will come nearly four months after Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on charges of violating the Constitution and laws through his brief imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.
It will not only be South Korean stocks dipping this week, but likely most of the world as well:
South Korean stocks fell 3 percent to a near two-month low Monday ahead of U.S. reciprocal tariffs set to be announced later this week amid the removal of a short selling ban. The local currency sharply fell against the U.S. dollar.
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) dropped 76.86 points to close at 2,481.12, marking the lowest closing since Feb. 3, when it finished at 2,453.95.
Trade volume was slim at 385.5 million shares worth 8.1 trillion won (US$5.5 billion), with losers sharply outnumbering winners 824 to 87.
Foreigners sold a net 1.5 trillion won worth of stocks, while institutions and individuals purchased a net 666.9 billion won and 789.9 billion won, respectively.
Analysts said investors were concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, slated for Wednesday (U.S. time), would trigger a global trade war. He also confirmed 25 percent tariffs on all imported cars set to take effect Thursday.
Wildfire in southeastern region This photo, taken March 29, 2025, shows a scorched mountain in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, southeastern South Korea, after a wildfire ravaged the region. (Yonhap)
It appears that the horrible wildfires in South Korea are finally contained:
A massive wildfire that began in Sancheong County and swept through nearby regions in South Gyeongsang Province has been fully contained, authorities said Sunday.
The main fires were under control as of 1 p.m. Sunday, nearly 10 days after they first broke out March 21, according to forestry officials.
The wildfire has scorched an estimated 1,858 hectares of woodland, equivalent to around 2,600 football fields.
At least 30 people have died from the recent wave of nationwide wildfires, including 26 reported in North Gyeongsang Province.
Meanwhile, police authorities said they have booked a man suspected of starting the massive wildfires in North Gyeongsang Province.
The 56-year-old man is accused of causing the fire at around 11:25 a.m. on March 22 while performing an ancestral rite at a family grave on a hill in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province.
The fire then spread rapidly to nearby Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang and Yeongdeok for days due to gusty winds amid dry conditions.
You can read more at the link, but investigators are still trying to determine who started the other wildfires.
Aftermath of wildfire in southeastern region Local government employees and volunteers work for evacuees at a middle school gymnasium used as a shelter in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province, southeastern South Korea, on March 24, 2025, following a wildfire on March 21. (Yonhap)
It is not often South Korea is hit with deadly wildfires like they are currently experiencing:
At least four people were killed, six people were injured and some 1,500 people were evacuated as wildfires fueled by strong winds have scorched areas of the nation’s southeastern region, disaster authorities said Sunday.
The fire began in Sancheong County, about 250 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Friday and spread to other parts.
Of the six people who were injured, five were seriously harmed. All victims were found in Sancheong, according to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters.
It seems to me that if this impeachment decision is being released on Monday that Yoon’s impeachment decision will likely be later in the week:
The Constitutional Court said Thursday it will deliver its ruling on Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment over martial law-related allegations next week.
The verdict will be announced at 10 a.m. Monday, the court said in a notice to the press, three months after he was impeached by the National Assembly over a string of allegations related to President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed bid to impose martial law in December.
If the impeachment motion is upheld, Han will be removed from office. If it is dismissed, he will be reinstated.
Under the Constitution, the consent of at least six justices is required to uphold an impeachment motion. There are currently eight justices on the bench.
The motion against Han lists five reasons for his impeachment, including his alleged involvement in imposing martial law, his refusal to appoint additional justices to the Constitutional Court, and his refusal to promulgate two special counsel bills targeting Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee.
