Tensions mount as President Yoon's court ruling date is expected in coming days

With speculation that the date for the president's impeachment verdict could be given today, rallies continued in the capital and the mood was more tense than on any other day.

Ahn Sung-jin has this report.

Dozens have gathered, shouting and waving signs.

The voices of the protesters echo on nearby streets.

Speculation had arisen that South Korea's Constitutional Court would announce the date for its ruling on President Yoon's impeachment on Wednesday, so it comes as no surprise that the protesters had gathered.

Starting from early morning, those who are against the impeachment have been waving the Korean and American flags while shouting that the impeachment should be voided.

Their supporters included members of Save Korea, a religious advocacy group, as well as the Liberty Unification Party.

A handful of them had camped out overnight, while some set up a one-person relay demonstration.

"I'm against the impeachment. I get so frustrated at the main opposition party and the fact that Lee Jae-myung hasn't even been arrested. The media is also releasing biased news."

Those in support of the impeachment clustered together in nearby streets, and close to Gwanghwamun Square.

Bereaved families from the Itaewon tragedy performed the 159-bow ceremony in hopes of President Yoon's impeachment, while other groups including Pan-Youth Action also gathered for the protest.

Those in favor of impeachment also held candlelit rallies.

"I am a supporter of the impeachment, and I have not been able to sleep well because of all this stress. I don't know why they keep delaying the court ruling."

As the sentencing date is expected in the coming days, protests from different groups are set to continue.

"With tensions mounting on both sides, the police have been gearing up including setting up large barricades and vehicle blockades as well as deploying additional personnel."

The police are to mobilize all available personnel to respond and maintain order at the competing rallies.

Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.