No Illegal Gatherings in Gwanghwamun... Sporadic Clashes Including Solo Protests in Various Locations

On the 9th, Hangul Day, the police are controlling the area around Gwanghwamun Square to block sudden rallies and demonstrations in the city center. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seol Gina Cho] On the 9th, Hangul Day, amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and controversy over police overreaction, the initially feared illegal large-scale rallies did not occur. However, sporadic clashes were confirmed as press conferences and one-person protests condemning the government continued in various parts of the city.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated in a press release issued that afternoon, "Thanks to many citizens who endured inconvenience and cooperated, the event concluded smoothly," adding, "The police will continue to collaborate with health authorities to minimize citizen inconvenience while taking measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases."

On this day, illegal rallies were blocked through police checkpoints at various entrances near Gwanghwamun Square. Instead, press conference-style events were held in several locations. Two conservative groups, the Patriotic Patrol Team and Uri Gonghwadang, conducted vehicle protests in a 'drive-through' format under strict police control.

On the 9th, Hangul Day, the police are controlling the area around Gwanghwamun Square to block sudden rallies and demonstrations in the city center. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, about 180 units and approximately 11,000 officers were mobilized to manage press conferences and vehicle protests held in Seoul on Hangul Day, a scale similar to that of Gaecheonjeol.

However, considering criticisms of unconstitutional elements, the police did not completely surround Gwanghwamun Square with barricades. The number of checkpoints, which was 90 at Seoul city entrances on Gaecheonjeol, was reduced to 57 on this day. Measures such as creating passageways for citizens and operating four shuttle buses for citizen transit were also implemented. The police reported that about 1,900 citizens used these services by 4 p.m.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said, "The police requested the relevant groups to refrain from gathering to prevent a recurrence of infectious disease risk situations like the Independence Movement Day rally," and "We thank the related groups for complying with police and court restrictions on assemblies." However, some office workers commuting around Gwanghwamun and citizens out for holiday outings expressed dissatisfaction with the strict police control.

On this day, a man in his 30s was arrested on charges of assaulting police officers in the city center, but the police stated that this was unrelated to any rally.

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