Street rallies and demonstrations have played a vital role in shaping Korea's democracy, taking on diverse forms over the years. At key moments, such as the broad-based democratic movement of 1987 and the candlelight protests in 2016 calling for former President Park Geun-hye's impeachment, these protests were instrumental. Sometimes they were peaceful. Other times, they involved violence. Yet, they have consistently provided a platform for even the smallest voices to express their opinions and influence the political landscape.

Public frustration has not eased following President Yoon Suk Yeol's press conference on Nov. 7, where he addressed the ongoing scandals involving the first couple, particularly first lady Kim Keon Hee. While his apology was acknowledged as sincere, his direct and forceful remarks were met with disapproval. On Nov. 9, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), joined by four smaller parties, held a rally at Seoul City Hall, urging the public to demand a special counsel investigation into the first lady.

The nation's two umbrella labor groups -- Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) -- also took to the streets on Nov. 9. The KCTU has directly called for the president to step down, with some of its members getting arrested during the protests. Meanwhile, the FKTU has voiced opposition to the Yoon administration's labor reform efforts. In addition to these rallies, professors from Gachon University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Hanyang University, and others have joined the movement, urging the president to step down in the name of democracy.

The president, his ruling party, and the administration must take these voices seriously. Following the controversial press conference, the presidential office announced that the first couple will no longer use personal phones for official matters, and a second office to manage first lady's affairs is being established. Additionally, the first lady is expected to refrain from attending official events, at least until the end of the year.

The president should act swiftly to appoint a special inspector recommended by the National Assembly to investigate potential corruption involving his family or relatives. With approval ratings falling below 20 percent at one point, Yoon faces serious challenges. The numbers suggest the administration may be losing — or may soon lose — its legitimacy in the eyes of voters.

The administration must not only work to improve approval ratings, but also demonstrate its commitment to serving voters. To achieve this, it should engage with opposing forces, including the DPK. Opposition lawmakers are reportedly drafting a third bill to launch a special counsel investigation into the first lady, focusing on the series of scandals involving alleged stock-price manipulation and interference in the 2022 by-election nominations. This third bill is expected to be narrower in scope, potentially drawing defector votes from the ruling People Power Party (PPP). With 108 seats compared to the DPK's 170, any defection from the PPP could help push the special counsel probe forward, after the president vetoed the two previous bills.

Another beleaguered leader is Rep. Lee Jae-myung of the DPK, who faces verdicts in two trials on Nov. 15 and 25, accused of violating election laws and encouraging perjury. As a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, the outcome of these trials could significantly impact Lee's political future. He must ensure that the public's calls, outside the National Assembly and on the streets, are genuine expressions of discontent that the DPK is addressing on behalf of the people, rather than an attempt to shield himself. While free expression is a cornerstone of democracy, the nation also has official channels and systems for resolving disputes. The real issue arises when public trust in these institutions begins to erode. Both the PPP and the DPK must work in the coming days to restore public confidence. With more rallies expected through the end of the year, the domestic political situation remains unstable and precarious, while the international landscape grows even more volatile.