▲ The main opposition Democratic Party lawmakers and party supporters stage a rally in central Seoul calling for the government to accept a special counsel bill against first lady Kim Keon Hee on Nov. 2, 2024. (Yonhap)
▲ Main opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung speaks during a rally in Seoul on Nov. 2, 2024. (Yonhap)

opposition party-rally

DP holds massive street rally urging Yoon to accept special counsel bill against first lady

SEOUL, Nov. 2 (Yonhap) -- 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.

Some 300,000 comprising its 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, and almost all of the 170 incumbent DP lawmakers took part in the rally.

The rally came as Yoon's office has been embroiled in controversy over a slew of allegations Kim faces, including a stock manipulation scheme, an illegal receipt of a luxury bag and interference in the party's candidate nominations for the April general elections.

The scandal is snowballing after Myung Tae-kyun, a self-proclaimed power broker, has come out alleging that Yoon used his influence for a former ruling party lawmaker to help her win 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 said at the rally.

"Kim Keon Hee rules this country. We will push ahead for the special counsel," Park said.

Choosing to refrain from making harsh comments, Lee highlighted 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 said.

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.

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