Conservative and Progressive Groups Clash in Downtown... Tens of Thousands Gather

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Conservative and progressive groups held large-scale rallies one after another in major downtown areas of Seoul on the 22nd, engaging in a power struggle.

Conservative groups such as the Liberty Unification Party held the "National Rally to Eradicate Pro-Juche Unification Faction" from 1:30 PM on the westbound lanes of Sejong-daero (from Donghwa Duty Free Shop to Daehanmun). According to police estimates, 32,000 people gathered at this rally (as of 3:30 PM).

Progressive groups, including Candlelight Transition Action, also held a rally condemning the Yoon Seok-yeol administration around 4 PM on the eastbound lanes of Sejong-daero (from Sungnyemun Intersection to Taepyeongno Intersection). Police estimated about 16,000 people attended this rally (as of 5 PM).

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The groups holding rallies on the east and west sides of Sejong-daero expressed differing opinions on recent major political issues. At the conservative rally, the arrest of Kim Yong, deputy director of the Democratic Research Institute and close aide to Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, as well as the responsibility of former President Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung regarding the West Sea government official shooting incident, were raised. Meanwhile, the progressive rally criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee.

Meanwhile, the police are monitoring as Candlelight Transition Action plans to march from 6:30 PM along Hangang-daero to the Samgakji Police Station in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office. Around 4 PM, about 4,000 members of conservative groups such as the New Freedom Solidarity gathered near the Samgakji Police Station, raising the possibility of clashes. In response, the police installed safety fences on roads and sidewalks and erected vehicle barriers near the Presidential Office to block access.

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