The protesters were divided into two groups, one supporting Mr. Yoon and the other opposing the leader. Initially, the pro-Yoon crowds gathered near the Gwanghwamun area in central Seoul and Yeouido in the west of the city.

By the afternoon of March 1, police estimated that at least 110,000 people had gathered at both sites. Dozens of politicians from the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) attended the Yeouido rally, including lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun, who sent a message of solidarity to those present on his behalf.

Meanwhile, another rally, organized by the opposition Democratic Party (DPK) and four smaller parties, took place about a kilometer away from the rally in support of Mr. Yoon. The crowd called for the president's ouster. Up to 100,000 people also marched against Mr. Yoon in central Seoul, including DPK leader Lee Jae-myung.