Conservative Groups "Proceed with Rally" Despite Ban on 'Gwangbokjeol Assembly'... Concerns Over Clashes

Seoul City has decided to temporarily ban gatherings at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul Plaza, and Cheonggye Plaza to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Meanwhile, on the 23rd, the National Rally to Set the Republic of Korea Straight, hosted by the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtu-bon), is being held in front of the Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Despite Seoul City's refusal policy, conservative groups have expressed their intention to proceed with a large-scale rally on Liberation Day, making a clash between the two sides inevitable.

According to Seoul City and the police on the 13th, Seoul City officially requested the conservative groups to cancel the rally on the 11th and sent another official letter requesting cancellation the day before. The reason cited is the prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Seoul City plans to respond strongly, including issuing an administrative order to ban the rally if these groups ultimately do not cancel it.

The police also announced that if conservative groups proceed with the rally, they will take on-site measures jointly with the city. The police warned that if illegal acts occur at the rally site, they will strictly handle the situation, including considering arresting offenders caught in the act.

In response, conservative groups are strongly opposing. They argue that it is unfair to suddenly cancel a rally planned and reported a month ago just days before the event. Kim Sang-jin, Secretary General of the Liberty Solidarity, criticized, "Seoul City's rally ban policy is political quarantine," adding, "Allowing the funeral of the late Park Won-soon, former mayor of Seoul, while blocking rallies is an act to preemptively suppress public expression of opinion." Oh Sang-jong, representative of the Liberty Korea Patriotic Corps, also said, "It makes no sense to block rallies under the pretext of COVID-19 when there are no cases of outdoor infection," and questioned, "Is it reasonable to announce a ban policy just three days before the event?"

So far, a total of 17 groups have reported plans to hold rallies on Liberation Day, with the organizers estimating more than 50,000 participants. The police also anticipate that the actual number of attendees could reach several thousand and are preparing accordingly, judging the possibility of the rally proceeding as high. According to the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, the Minister of Health and Welfare or local government heads can impose rally bans on specific locations. Failure to comply may result in fines up to 3 million won and possible prosecution. Seoul City is also considering designating the entire downtown area as a rally ban zone.

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