Progressive and Conservative Groups Clash Over Rally Site in Front of Statue of Girl (Update)

At around 7:50 PM on the 23rd, a physical clash occurred between members of conservative and progressive groups in front of the Girl Statue near the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Earlier, a conservative group had reported a rally near the Girl Statue, raising concerns about potential conflicts with opposing progressive groups. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] At around 7:50 PM on the 23rd, a physical clash occurred between a citizen presumed to have conservative views and participants of a rally for Japanese military comfort women victims in front of the Statue of Peace located in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul. During this incident, members of both groups suddenly gathered, and the clash between the two individuals escalated into a scuffle involving some members from both sides. However, police officers near the Statue of Peace immediately intervened, preventing the situation from escalating into a more dangerous conflict.

Earlier, the conservative group Liberty Solidarity had filed a rally notification to hold demonstrations in front of the Statue of Peace starting from the 24th until July 8. As a result, the "Wednesday Rally" was forced to relocate its venue for the first time in 28 years.

At around 7:50 p.m. on the 23rd, a physical clash occurred between members of conservative and progressive groups in front of the Girl Statue in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

In response, university students belonging to the "Anti-Abe Anti-Japan Youth Joint Action" have been sitting around the Statue of Peace within a 2-meter radius since midnight on the 23rd, tying themselves and the statue together with ropes in a sit-in protest, refusing to yield the space to the conservative group. The students have also mentioned the possibility of an indefinite sit-in, insisting they will not give up the rally location to the conservative group.

The conservative group is requesting the protesters to leave, arguing that they should not interfere with their lawful rally. Progressive-leaning citizens also gathered at the Statue of Peace that afternoon, holding a rally and guarding the area near the statue.

Meanwhile, the Justice and Memory Solidarity plans to relocate the existing Wednesday Rally from in front of the Statue of Peace to a nearby location to continue their demonstration.

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