S’poreans in South Korea should avoid areas with protests, stay safe & vigilant: S’pore Embassy

Protests ‘cannot be ruled out’ in South Korea, Singaporeans advised to keep up with the news

As the situation in South Korea heats up, Singaporeans in the country should avoid areas with protests.

This was advised in a statement posted on Facebook by the Singapore Embassy in Seoul on Saturday (7 Dec) night.

More protests possible in South Korea, Singaporeans should avoid large crowds

More protests at several areas in Seoul “cannot be ruled out” in the foreseeable future in view of the “latest developments”, the embassy said.

This includes Yeouido, a large park near the National Assembly building, and Gwanghwamun — a majestic square facing Gyeongbokgung Palace and the presidential Blue House.

Thus, Singaporeans should avoid areas with large crowds and protests and stay “safe & vigilant”.

They should also keep up to date on South Korean news and follow the instructions of the local authorities, the embassy added.

Singaporeans are encouraged to e-register their location with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they have not already done so.

South Korea protests started after President declares martial law

South Koreans are taking to the streets after President Yoon Suk Yeol shockingly declared martial law on Tuesday (3 Dec), the first-such declaration in the country since 1980.

Though he lifted it hours later after MPs unanimously voted to do so, the damage had been done.

Parliament began proceedings to impeach him, which failed after most of the ruling party’s MPs boycotted the vote, causing it to fall short of the required two-thirds majority.

South Koreans to continue pushing for impeachment

The opposition said it would propose a new impeachment Bill against Mr Yoon on 11 Dec, reported Yonhap News.

It would also continue to push for his impeachment every week.

Meanwhile, protesters have continued to fill the streets, with an estimated number of nearly 150,000 gathering around the National Assembly on Saturday (7 Dec), according to Agence France-Presse.

Many held banners demanding the impeachment of Mr Yoon, who came to power in 2022.

They expressed disappointment at the failure of the impeachment vote but some were undeterred, saying they would attend rallies until he had left office.

Also read: 5 things about the South Korean president who announced martial law & his controversial wife

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Featured image adapted from @tessa_wong on X.