Rallies for and against Yoon's impeachment simultaneously take place in Seoul

Supporters and opponents of President Yoon Suk Yeol are set to hold large-scale rallies in the center of Seoul simultaneously on Thursday, raising concerns about an accidental clash between the two groups.

The militant labor umbrella Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and liberal civic groups said they will organize a rally on a road around Seoul Plaza Thursday afternoon to call for the impeachment of Yoon over his martial law declaration on Dec. 3.

The rally, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., is expected to draw about 20,000 participants, the organizers said, adding they will march toward the presidential office in Yongsan later.

In a counter move, conservative civic groups said they will hold a rally of about 10,000 participants in front of the Dongwha Duty Free Shop building, about 700 meters away from the KCTU rally site, at the same time to oppose Yoon's impeachment.

With rallies for and against the president's impeachment taking place in close proximity at the same time, there are concerns about a possible collision between their participants. (Yonhap)