Thousands of protesters gathered in Seoul on Saturday to show support for South Korea's former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office just a day earlier following a controversial martial law declaration.

On Friday, South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously ruled to impeach Yoon over his December 3 attempt to impose martial law, which was seen as an effort to undermine civilian authority. The decision has set the stage for a snap presidential election to be held by June, following months of mounting political unrest.

The long-awaited ruling had intensified national tensions, with far-right factions rallying behind Yoon and counter-protesters demonstrating regularly in the capital.

Braving the rain, Yoon’s supporters took to the streets on Saturday, chanting slogans such as “Impeachment is invalid!” and “Cancel the snap election!”

"The Constitutional Court’s decision destroyed our country’s free democracy," said 26-year-old protester Yang Joo-young. "As someone in my twenties, I’m deeply worried about the future."

Yoon had defended his attempted imposition of martial law as a necessary step to confront what he described as “anti-state forces” and threats from North Korea. However, the court found that his actions posed a “grave threat” to the nation’s stability.

While many celebrated the court’s decision—with emotional scenes of hugging and tears in Seoul—Yoon retains strong backing among certain conservative groups. His base includes far-right religious leaders and right-wing social media influencers, who experts say spread misinformation to bolster support for the former prosecutor.

“Yoon’s presidency has highlighted deep societal divisions driven by political polarization and misinformation,” said Minseon Ku, a postdoctoral fellow at the William & Mary Global Research Institute.

As the country heads toward new elections, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has emerged as a frontrunner. His party is known for its more conciliatory stance on North Korea, a position that worries some Yoon supporters.

"I honestly believe South Korea is finished," said Park Jong-hwan, 59. "It feels like we’ve already become a socialist or communist state."