Concerns Raised Over Conditional Approval of National Foundation Day Rally, Urging "Still Should Exercise Restraint"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Regarding the court's approval of a conditional 'drive-thru' rally using vehicles on Gaecheonjeol, lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea have expressed concerns one after another.

Kang Sun-woo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, stated in a written briefing on the 2nd, "The freedom of assembly is a fundamental right of the people, but it is not unlimited," and emphasized, "If any act that interferes with quarantine measures even slightly beyond the legal framework is observed during the rally, the police must take strong action with a zero-tolerance policy."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang said, "The court partially allowed the Gaecheonjeol rally, and some conservative groups' vehicle rallies are scheduled for the 3rd," adding, "The entire nation is fearful of possible violations that may occur during this process."

He continued, "The Democratic Party will never compromise on protecting the people with active public authority together with government authorities," and urged, "The People Power Party should also put aside short-term political calculations and join in protecting the health and lives of the people."

Assemblyman Jin Sung-jun also said on the same day, "I am concerned that COVID-19 may spread again due to the Gaecheonjeol rally." Jin said, "After the court's decision to conditionally allow the rally, far-right groups have additionally reported plans to hold vehicle rallies across Seoul based on this," and emphasized, "I do not know whether the court should allow the Gaecheonjeol rally following the Liberation Day rally and the Gwanghwamun rally."

He added, "If the Gaecheonjeol rally becomes a source of COVID-19 spread again, not only the organizers and participants but also the court and the People Power Party cannot be free from responsibility."

Assemblywoman Lee Soo-jin (Seoul Dongjak-eul), a former judge, pointed out on Facebook that day, "The organizers of the Gaecheonjeol rally have a history of forcibly holding rallies beyond the reported contents, undermining public authority. It is hard to believe they will comply with the court's limited conditions," and criticized, "The court should have properly sought opinions from quarantine experts such as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency before deciding whether to allow the rally."

Assemblywoman Lee added, "It is limited to judge quarantine issues based on the court's unrealistic and complacent perception and independent decision," and emphasized, "A small hole can bring down a large dam. The organizers should cancel the Gaecheonjeol rally even now."

Assemblyman Oh Ki-hyung, a former lawyer, also appealed on Facebook, "Freedom of assembly is a guaranteed right, but it should still be restrained," and urged participation restraint, saying, "After the Liberation Day rally, COVID-19 spread nationwide, and the number of unknown-source patients increased, causing our society to bear social costs exceeding tens of trillions of won."

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