"Biased Quarantine Measures" vs "Protection of Citizens' Right to Life" Hangul Day Rally, Political Dispute

On the morning of October 3rd, National Foundation Day, police buses lined up on the road in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, to block sudden rallies and protests. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgi Kim] On the 9th, Hangul Day, a group that had announced a rally of about 2,000 people around Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul filed an injunction suspension application with the court, refusing the police's order to ban the rally. Following the October 3rd Gaecheonjeol rally, there was controversy over excessive response, so there is speculation that the court may make a different decision. The ruling and opposition parties are showing differences in their positions regarding citizens' basic rights and quarantine measures this time as well.

On the 8th, Rep. Hae-jin Cho of the People Power Party said in an interview with MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' that "Because there was much controversy over excessive response and infringement of basic rights after the Gaecheonjeol rally, I think this court decision may be somewhat different."

Regarding the Hangul Day rally, he emphasized, "I think it is possible that the rally will be partially allowed or allowed with conditions attached."

He continued, "Even if the rally is held, it seems that the application was made on the premise that the government’s social distancing guidelines and quarantine rules would be well observed," and explained, "I think the perception that the government is biased in its quarantine measures influenced the application for the Hangul Day rally."

On the other hand, Rep. Hoon-sik Kang of the Democratic Party said, "I think the judiciary will make an independent judgment," but argued, "The injunction should be dismissed based on the obligation to protect the people's right to life."

Rep. Kang explained, "Currently, the cumulative number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is 24,353. Since August 15, there have been 9,400 confirmed cases. Looking at it that way, less than half of the total cases occurred after August 15," and added, "The result of one rally is very serious. Of course, not all of it is caused by that rally. However, I think the court should make a responsible judgment regarding the rapid spread at that time."

Earlier, on the 7th, the '8.15 Emergency Countermeasures Committee' filed an injunction suspension application with the Seoul Administrative Court against the Seoul city and police's order banning outdoor rallies.

In the injunction suspension application, the committee argued, "There are sufficient ways to ensure safety outdoors, such as wearing masks, maintaining a 1-meter distance, and measuring body temperature, while harmoniously guaranteeing basic rights, but the complete ban on rallies is a human rights violation that violates the principles of proportionality and equity."

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