For hours, the atmosphere on the streets surrounding the South Korean constitutional court in the center of Seoul was tense. Dozens had camped at night in early spring, in the promotion of the court’s historical ruling on Friday.
The crowds for and against the dismissal of the challenging president of the country, Yoon Suk Yeol, were separated from police buses and metal obstacles of up to 13 feet in height.
As the leader of justice began to read the decision, full of technical legal terminology, the crowds became quieter, stretching to hear from outdoor speakers the result that would determine Mr Yoon’s fate – and the country of the country. Some people opposed Mr Yoon shouted and applauded as the reading continued. The protesters on both sides dug their hands together in prayer. Many kept their phones to record the moment.
And then the crowd broke out.
Those who supported Mr Yoon’s challenge reacted with hugs, screams and punches that were drawn to the unanimous decision to remove him from office. In a rally of Mr Yoon’s supporters near his residence, there was strong. Some people folded with frustration, and others curse.
“It was so difficult, but now my heart is relieved,” said Kim Ji-Seon, 55, who brought her daughter to witness the verdict in the hope that Mr Yoon’s question would be accelerated. “I hope they can create a country where people can be happy.”
Shortly after the decision was announced, only a few people, some wearing again “make Korea big” and “stop the hats of steal”, stayed in a pro-yon demonstration scheduled to last all day outside the Presidential Office. Manufacturers workers were scaffolding and dozens of chairs had stacked and pushed to the side.
Jang Jaeeuk, 21, said he had stayed out on the street near the stadium one night with other students from his university, taking only three hours of sleep because it was such an important day for his country.
“I am happy that the difficulties of the last four months have not gone to waste,” he said after crying and hugging his colleagues when he heard the verdict. “Now I feel we can change the world and, in this sense, I’m optimistic about the future.”
Mr Yoon’s supporters near the court, who were primarily men, said they were deeply disappointed that the president was removed and returned home.
Yoon Seo-Jun, 18, sitting on the edge of a sidewalk, said it was mistrust of the system that led to the challenge and was frustrated about the country’s future.
“The Republic of South Korea is dead,” he said, adding that he hoped that the National Assembly, which had questioned Mr Yoon, would be dissolved.
Following the decision, some South Koreans expressed their concern about what could be followed by further political unrest.
Lee Yongseok, 27, who watched the court’s television ruling on a screen at Seoul Central Railway Station, said that although he supported the verdict, he knew that others would be skeptical of the decision and the judges who did so.
“I feel that something big is going to come to my country,” he said.
Even when supporters and opponents of Mr Yoon attempted to understand what is coming for their country, government officials took steps to move forward.
In a gesture that underlined the finality of the court’s ruling, officials removed the presidential emblem in front of the building where Mr Yoon worked as president. The emblem carries the image of a mythical bird, Phoenix.
Choe sang-hun; CHANG W. Lee; Jun Michael Park and Victoria Kim They contributed reports.
