Rally and Protest Hotspots Moving to Yongsan?

Protests Held in Front of Cheongwadae, Gwanghwamun, and Seoul Plaza
Expected to Move to Open Spaces Near the War Memorial Following the Presidential Office Relocation

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the presidential office moves to Yongsan, the hub for rallies and protests is expected to shift from Gwanghwamun to Yongsan. Until now, labor unions including the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), civil society groups, and religious organizations have held rallies and protests at locations such as the fountain plaza in front of the Blue House, Gwanghwamun, Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza, and Seoul Station.

The KCTU's National Courier Workers' Union (Courier Union) has indicated that it may change its rally location to in front of Yongsan in the future. A Courier Union official stated on the 21st, "Since the presidential office relocation has not been fully completed yet, we will discuss internally before changing the rally location," but added, "If the president is in Yongsan, we are willing to get closer." The Courier Union held a rally in February at Gwanghwamun Square demanding the implementation of social agreements related to courier workers.

The same applies to groups that have held rallies and protests targeting the president and the government. Park Hye-jung, representative of the Alliance of Victims Confirmed to Have Been Environmentally Exposed to Humidifier Disinfectants, said, "For now, we plan to hold rallies and protests at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jongno-gu, but it is a location difficult for victims to access," adding, "If rallies and protests are possible in Yongsan, we will go to see the president."

Large-scale rally venues in Yongsan include the open space in front of the War Memorial, the Hangang-daero section from Namyeong-dong to Samgakji to Yongsan Station, and Noksapyeong-ro from Samgakji to Itaewon Station. The police view the Samgakji area as less burdensome to manage for rallies and protests compared to Gwanghwamun and expect less inconvenience to citizens. According to the Assembly and Demonstration Act, rallies and protests are prohibited within 100 meters of the boundary of the presidential residence. However, there is no clear specification on how far rallies and protests can be restricted near the presidential office, so detailed regulations are expected to be established.

The Presidential Transition Committee has stated that rallies and protests will be allowed as long as they do not interfere with the president’s security. Kim Yong-hyun, former Operations Headquarters Chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and currently active in the Blue House Relocation Task Force, said, "The policy is not to refrain from rallies and protests in all park areas, but to allow them as long as they do not disturb citizens visiting the park or harm the president," adding, "Rallies and protests are also considered a channel for dialogue between the president and citizens." However, regulations regarding rallies and protests during the commute between the official residence and the office have not yet been decided. Kim explained, "We are seeking understanding from the police regarding the president’s commute security."

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