Conservative and Progressive Groups Proceed with Liberation Day Rally... Concerns Over Clashes

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-ho Kim] On the morning of the first day of the Liberation Day holiday, the 14th, as announced, conservative groups began their events centered around downtown Seoul, but were blocked by the police's complete lockdown. However, these groups expressed their intention to proceed, claiming it infringes on 'the people's freedom,' raising concerns about potential clashes with the police.

The People’s Revolution Party, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon of Sarang Jeil Church, started the "Moon Jae-in Impeachment 8·15 10 Million One-Person Walking Movement" event from Seoul Station at 6 a.m., circling the Gwanghwamun area, but entry into the city center was blocked by the police.

Although they chose individual movement rather than group marches, the police did not permit it, considering the possibility of COVID-19 spread through assemblies and demonstrations.

When the People’s Revolution Party was blocked by the police from reaching in front of Donghwa Duty-Free Shop, where they planned to hold a press conference at 9 a.m., they moved nearby and held the press conference. At the press conference, a representative of the People’s Revolution Party said, "The police blocked sidewalks that anyone can walk on and sealed off most subway station entrances, completely restricting the free passage of the people," adding, "We will file a state compensation lawsuit against President Moon Jae-in, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong, who have obliterated human rights."

The "8·15 Rally Promotion Committee for the 76th Anniversary of Liberation and Independent Peaceful Unification of the Korean Peninsula" (Promotion Committee), composed of progressive groups, is also holding demonstrations across the country. In particular, in Seoul, one-person protests are planned at major locations such as Seodaemun Independence Gate Park, near the Ministry of National Defense, and the Jongno 3-ga area.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will also conduct a "One-Person Protest to Stop the South Korea-U.S. War Exercises" with about 200 participants around Seoul Station, Seodaemun Station, and Chungjeongno Station from 4 p.m. They plan to hold one-person protests spaced 70 meters apart, holding helium balloons with slogans such as "Stop the South Korea-U.S. War Exercises."

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