[The Police File] "Freedom of Assembly" Also Put to the Test

The area in front of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is currently in a state of chaos. As the Constitutional Court prepares to deliver its verdict on the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, his supporters are holding press conferences in the form of filibusters in front of the court, while tents belonging to hunger strikers line the street near the main gate. In the days leading up to the verdict, press conferences by lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties have been held almost daily. Demonstrators, armed with loudspeakers, chant slogans such as "The Constitutional Court must repent," and blow vuvuzelas and whistles. Shouting and profanity have long become commonplace. As a result, not only local merchants but also citizens and tourists passing through the area are suffering from discomfort and fatigue. Some merchants have even said, "When I lie down to sleep, the curses and whistle sounds from the protests keep ringing in my ears."

The Constitutional Court is one of the symbolic spaces of democracy in South Korea. It is only natural in a democratic society that people gather in front of the court to express their opinions and unite for a cause. The scene, where diverse voices, slogans, and at times shouting and whistle-blowing intermingle, is a living example of the "freedom of assembly" guaranteed by the Constitution.

Voices from the streets have changed the course of our history many times. In the distant past, there was the April 19 Revolution, and more recently, Gwangju in 1980 and June 1987. The freedom of assembly is a value that must be upheld in any democratic society. Protests in front of the Constitutional Court are part of this tradition, and there is no disagreement that people should be given the opportunity to voice their convictions.

However, I believe it is time to calmly reflect on the methods being used. Many people are suffering as a result of the protests in front of the Constitutional Court. Residents living nearby struggle to have ordinary conversations because of the loudspeakers, and children walking with their parents are startled by the aggressive slogans and profanity. A junior reporter shared that Chen Chuantang, a 26-year-old tourist from Taiwan, said in front of the court, "I don't know what the protest is about, but it's too noisy and overwhelming."

There were also many inconveniences on the afternoon of the 25th at Namtaeryeong Pass, a major entry point into Seoul. I understand that the "tractor protestors" likely put much thought into how to deliver their message effectively. However, we must not forget that those who suffer from the resulting confusion and inconvenience are also our neighbors. They could be people who make a living through deliveries or those whose profession is driving.

Freedom of assembly must be respected, but if it becomes a source of fear, causes significant inconvenience to others' daily lives, or directly infringes upon the rights and freedoms of others, it becomes a different matter. Society is made up of people with different values and perspectives. I believe that if I want my freedom to be respected, I must first respect the freedom of others.

I am confident that the decision the Constitutional Court will soon deliver will further mature our democracy. However, it is also true that concerns about "what happens after the court's decision" are already being voiced. Regardless of the outcome, those who disagree are unlikely to accept it easily, and there is even talk of a potential "civil war." This is why we must all consider how best to express our opinions in a manner befitting a democratic society and work to upgrade the culture of protests and demonstrations. At this very moment, the "freedom of assembly" itself is being put to the test.

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