Conservative Group's 'Albakgi Protest'... Justice Network Requests Police Assistance

The regular Wednesday Demonstrations to resolve the issue of Japanese military sexual slavery, which began in 1992, will mark their 30th anniversary on the 8th. However, this Wednesday Demonstration will again be held slightly away from the Peace Statue of the Girl in front of the former Japanese Embassy in Jongno-gu, Seoul, instead of the usual spot. The photo shows the area around the Peace Statue of the Girl ahead of the 30th anniversary 1525th regular Wednesday Demonstration on the 5th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

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The Justice and Memory Foundation (Jeonguiyeon), which has been in conflict with some conservative groups conducting 'albakgi protests,' has requested assistance from the police.

On the 8th, Jeonguiyeon filed a complaint with the National Police Agency, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, and Jongno Police Station in Seoul, requesting strong measures against acts disrupting the Wednesday Demonstrations. Jeonguiyeon explained, "In recent years, we have been subjected to all kinds of attacks and disruptions from historical denial forces," adding, "We requested that the national institutions fulfill their active duties and inquired about future plans."

On the 16th of last month, Jeonguiyeon also filed a lawsuit against 12 individuals, including Kim Byeongheon, representative of the Citizens' Action for the Abolition of the Comfort Women Law, and Kim Sangjin, secretary-general of the Liberty Solidarity, on charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, defamation, and insult. Jeonguiyeon stated, "Conservative groups are systematically blocking the Wednesday Demonstrations by being the first to report gatherings in front of the Statue of Peace," and added, "They are also disrupting the demonstrations by creating discomfort, such as broadcasting screams through speakers." These disruptive acts have continued for nearly two years since May 2020, when allegations of embezzlement of donations by independent lawmaker Yoon Meehyang surfaced.

These conservative groups have claimed that 'comfort women are frauds' or 'prostitutes,' and during gatherings, they have called Grandmother Lee Yongsoo a fraud and demanded evidence that she was a sex slave. Grandmother Lee has filed lawsuits against five individuals, including Joo Oksun, representative of the Mom's Army, on charges of defamation and insult by spreading false information.

On January 13th, the National Human Rights Commission recommended through emergency relief measures that the police advise the organizers of counter-demonstrations to change the time and place to avoid disrupting the Wednesday Demonstrations. This is to actively protect the Wednesday Demonstrations, which are difficult to find precedents for worldwide. However, since this is only a recommendation, the police have not shown clear action. Jeonguiyeon filed a complaint stating, "The Jongno Police Station, the competent authority, did not take proper measures," as the police did not actively respond despite the Human Rights Commission's recommendation.

Nevertheless, experts predict that it will be difficult for the police to take action easily. Professor Lee Yunho of the Department of Police Science at Korea Cyber University said, "The issue is whether the acts disrupting the Wednesday Demonstrations have exceeded the limits allowed by law," adding, "Since the freedom of assembly and demonstration and freedom of expression must be guaranteed, the police will focus on this."

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