Protesters Move to Seocho-dong After Gwanghwamun Rally Ban

City Applies Infectious Disease Prevention Act
Assembly Restrictions at Seoul Station and Plaza
Hankichong and Conservative Groups Relocate Venues
City and Seocho-gu Clash Over Responsibility

Members of the Korea Christian Federation held a prayer meeting on the 9th in front of the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, urging the release of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon.

[Asia Economy Reporters Hyunju Lee and Jeongyun Lee] As concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) have led to a ban on rallies in downtown areas, organizers are moving their rally locations en masse to Seocho-dong. From the Seoul city government's perspective, it is difficult to designate the entire city as a rally prohibition zone, while Seocho District is shifting responsibility by saying that Seoul City must make a decision. Meanwhile, a large-scale rally is taking place near Gyodae Station in Seocho District today (the 10th) as well.

According to the National Police Agency, from the morning of this day, conservative groups are holding rallies and marches near Gyodae Station and Seocho Station in Seocho District, urging the release of former President Park Geun-hye, the removal of political judges, and the arrest of the Governor of Gyeongnam Province. It is estimated that about 500 people will gather at this event.

On the previous day, the Christian Council of Korea also held a prayer meeting near Seocho Station calling for the release of Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon. The CCK held a rally in front of Jongno Police Station on the 3rd but moved the location to Seocho-dong from the 6th. Since rallies have been banned in downtown Seoul from the 26th of last month, conservative groups have been moving en masse to Seocho-dong. Seoul City has banned rallies at Seoul Station Square, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza, Gwanghwamun Plaza, Hyodong Samsamgeori, and surrounding sidewalks, Sinmunno, Jongno 1-ga roads, and adjacent sidewalks under Article 80, Clause 7 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act. Violators, including rally organizers and participants, face fines of up to 3 million KRW.

Since hundreds of people gather in one place during rallies, there is concern about mass infections. In particular, many elderly people attend conservative group rallies, making them more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Hong Gijeong (42, pseudonym), who lives in Seocho District, said, "I cannot understand why rallies must be held at a time when the entire government is putting all its efforts into COVID-19 prevention," adding, "I am especially worried because it is adjacent to Gangnam Station, which has a large floating population."

The police stated that they cannot intervene because the rally locations do not fall under restricted zones. The Assembly and Demonstration Act classifies religious events as events that cannot be restricted for reasons of 'public peace.' A police official said, "If local governments notify a ban on rallies under the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, it can be considered for restriction."

The Seocho District Office and Seoul City, the competent local governments, are only shifting responsibility to each other. A Seoul city official said, "It is not possible to ban rallies throughout Seoul, and this is an issue that the respective autonomous district should resolve."

In response, Seocho District said it is awaiting Seoul City's review of proposals from other district offices requesting bans on rallies in some areas outside downtown Seoul and stated that there is no conflict. A Seocho District official said, "I think guidelines asking for restraint on rallies throughout Seoul should come out first," adding, "Since it is difficult to check when rallies are held one by one, it would be good if the police could recommend rally restraint to the relevant groups when receiving applications."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.