"It's completely unbearable. Since former President Yoon Suk-yeol returned to Seocho-dong, daily protests have led to a 60% drop in sales. On days with protests, the number of people outside drops significantly. The protests are so loud that nearby shops tried to come together to find solutions, but there haven't been any good ideas."
This was said by Mr. A, who operates a cold noodle shop in front of the court building around 1 p.m. on the 14th when former President Yoon attended his first trial for the charge of 'ringleader of a rebellion' at the Seoul Central District Court. Although it was lunchtime, around 7 out of 10 tables in the restaurant were vacant. The shop's door was closed, but the shouts of the supporters of former President Yoon could be heard clearly enough to be articulated. The sound of trumpets blown by the protesters echoed inside the shop.
When former President Yoon left the presidential residence in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, and returned to his home in Acro Vista, Seocho-dong on the 11th, the supporters of Yoon followed him. They held signs saying 'Yoon Again' and wore red hats that read 'MKGA (Make Korea Great Again)', a variation on U.S. President Donald Trump's slogan 'MAGA (Make America Great Again)'.
Earlier, the police restricted gatherings within 100 meters of the Seoul Central District Court. Although gatherings cannot be held at Acro Vista, the residence of former President Yoon, supporters have appeared claiming they are doing individual protests, gathering and shouting slogans, effectively holding a rally. Around 100 people protested near the east and main gates of the Seoul Central District Court, Acro Vista, and near the Gyeongbokgung Station subway station on the morning of the 14th. The police warned, "This is a prohibited gathering area," but they struggled to control the protesters.
As a result, the merchants in Seocho-dong are reporting business losses. Mr. Park, in his 70s, who runs a meat restaurant near the Seoul Central District Court, said, "On ordinary weekdays, we typically sell 1 million won during lunch, but on protest days, sales drop to only 600,000 to 700,000 won," adding, "Today, three reservations were canceled. That amounts to 28 people."
Mr. B, who operates a Chinese restaurant, noted, "This place is usually bustling with customers during lunch and after work," and added, "It seems that office workers are avoiding coming here to evade the protesters." At around 1 p.m., more than half of the seats were empty.
Former President Yoon returned home in a vehicle after the trial ended at 6:20 p.m. the previous day. Soon after, the protesters dispersed. However, merchants said they suffered losses during the evening business as well. Mr. C, who runs a traditional Korean restaurant, mentioned, "Our evening sales have dropped by 60%. Since there are protests near Gyeongbokgung Station, we have decided not to take any reservations for this restaurant." Mr. Choi, who operates a noodle shop, said, "Today, our sales have decreased by 400,000 to 500,000 won compared to usual. I think this is due to the protests."
Many conservative YouTubers are mixing in with the supporters of former President Yoon. Mr. D, in his 30s, who operates a convenience store near Acro Vista, reported that "YouTubers using selfie sticks with their phones are coming into the shop and showing the faces of other customers," and stated that customers are displeased.
Some merchants also point out that noise pollution is severe. Mr. Yoo, in his 50s, who operates a cafe about 60 meters away from the west entrance of the Seoul Central District Court, said, "Customers are complaining that their ears hurt from the noise of the protests." Mr. Kim, 43, an office worker who passed by the protest, stated, "It's so loud that I can only sigh." At that time, the police's noise measurement indicated a level of 97.3 decibels, well above the limit (80 dB) that the police control. 90 dB is equivalent to a loud factory level.
Residents of the Acro Vista apartment, where former President Yoon resides, are expressing their discomfort. Ms. Oh, a 24-year-old college student, remarked, "There are protests both at Gyeongbokgung Station and towards the express bus terminal. I can't focus at all because I can hear protest noise from both sides." A resident in his 50s, who requested anonymity, noted, "It's even louder on weekends. I can't relax at home and have to stay outside." Before former President Yoon returned home, merchants and residents in the Hannam-dong area near the presidential residence also suffered due to the protesters.