Seoul: The main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and its supporters staged a massive rally in central Seoul on Saturday, urging President Yoon Suk Yeol to accept a special counsel bill for an investigation into allegations involving first lady Kim Keon Hee.

According to Yonhap News Agency, some 300,000 individuals, comprising DP lawmakers, party members, and supporters-a count claimed by the DP-gathered near Seoul Station in Yongsan to join the demonstration on what they called an “action day for the people.” The DP leadership, including party leader Lee Jae-myung and floor leader Park Chan-dae, alongside nearly all of the 170 incumbent DP lawmakers, took part in the rally.

The rally comes amidst controversy surrounding Yoon’s office over a series of allegations Kim faces, including involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, illegal receipt of a luxury bag, and interference in the party’s candidate nominations for the April general elections. The scandal has intensified after Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclai
med power broker, alleged that Yoon used his influence to assist a former ruling party lawmaker in securing a nomination for the April elections.

The DP has released recorded phone conversations between Yoon and Myung, escalating political attacks against Yoon and the first lady. “Kim Keon Hee enjoys the privilege of immunity from any wrongdoing, effectively wielding presidential power at her discretion,” Park stated at the rally. “Kim Keon Hee rules this country. We will push ahead for the special counsel,” Park added.

Choosing to refrain from making harsh comments, Lee emphasized that the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye was initiated by the “candlelight” protests of the people in 2016. “It was the people who always rose up and took action at every turning point in history,” Lee remarked. Some other DP lawmakers called for Yoon to “step down.”

The participants marched from Seoul Station toward Seoul City Hall, filling one side of the main streets.