Over a million protesters took to streets in Seoul on Nov. 26, demanding the resignation of South Korean President Park Geun-hye. This has been the fifth, and so far the largest rally against Park, after investigations revealed that she shared classified information with a long-time confidante.
An estimated 1.5 million protesters attended the candlelight vigil Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul despite the city’s first snow, according to organisers, while officials put the number to be around 320,000. A number of musicians and singers also showed up in support, entertaining a diverse crowd that included many young people.
Crowds in hundreds of thousands marched near the Blue House in the presidential palace earlier in the afternoon, holding banners and demanding the ouster of President Park.
Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park who does not have any official government position, was arrested last month and accused of amassing millions of dollars using the political influence of the president. Choi’s daughter was admitted to the prestigious Ewha University through connections.
Prosecutors are also questioning whether Park has accepted bribery after naming her an accomplice in the scandal. Opposition parties hope to impeach Park as early as Dec. 2, a move that several members of her own party have voiced support for.
The Korean constitution requires two thirds approval from the parliament to for an impeachment bill to be passed.
The president has issued two apologies on television after the scandal broke out, yet has so far resisted pressure on her to resign. Her current approval rating stands at four percent.
(NTD Television)
Featured image: A couple take selfie in front of a police bus with stickers during masses of protesters gathered and occupy major streets in the city center for a rally against South Korean President Park Geun-hye on November 26, 2016 in Seoul. Credit: Woohae Cho/Getty Images
