ISTANBUL

Thousands of South Koreans took to the streets of Seoul on Saturday, some demanding impeached President Yook Sook Yeol's reinstatement, while others calling for his permanent removal, Yonhap news reported.

An estimated 3 million people, according to organizers, thronged Seoul's central Gwanghwamun area, calling for Yoon's release from detention in a rally opposing his impeachment.

The police estimate of the participants was 38,000.
Similar rallies in support of Yoon were also held near the National Assembly in the western Yeouido district and in front of the Seoul Central District Court.

Meanwhile, a separate protest in Gwanghwamun called for Yoon's complete removal, with police estimating 6,000 participants and organizers claiming 100,000.

Participants called for the immediate removal of Yoon, while also criticizing acting President Choi Sang-mok for vetoing a parliamentary bill calling for a special counsel investigation into Yoon over the Dec. 3 martial law declaration.

Yoon was suspended from office on Dec. 14 after parliament impeached him over his short-lived martial law decree. He was indicted on insurrection charges on Jan. 26.

His case is now under review by the Constitutional Court, which has up to six months to issue a ruling.

If the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering new presidential elections within two months.

However, if the motion is rejected, the embattled 63-year-old president will be reinstated.