Tens of thousands to demand Park quit amid scandal
SEOUL, Korea, Republic Of — Tens of thousands of South Koreans are expected to march in Seoul to demand President Park Geun-hye’s resignation on Saturday, a day after she took blame for a “heartbreaking” scandal and rising suspicion that she allowed a mysterious confidante to manipulate power from the shadows.
Police expect around 40,000 people in what could be the largest anti-government rally in nearly a year while organizers say as many as 100,000 will turn out.
Dozens of police buses were parked in streets around City Hall and also a square in front of an old palace gate, which the police plan to close off to prevent protesters from marching toward the Blue House, the presidential office and residence.
Smaller protests have taken place daily in past weeks amid growing calls for Park to step down, although opposition parties have yet to make a serious push for her resignation or impeachment for fears of negatively impacting next year’s presidential elections.