South Korea: Clashes at anti-THAAD protest in Seongju April 23

Event

On Monday, April 23, at least ten individuals were injured in clashes between protesters and police that broke out around 11:20 (local time) in Seongju county, North Gyeongsang province. Around 200 protesters participated in a blockade of the Junbat Bridge in a bid to prevent construction vehicles from reaching a military base. Some 3000 riot police were mobilized to disperse the protest and clear the roads.

Context

Protesters are denouncing the ongoing deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in Seongju, which they say would have a negative impact on the environment and could turn Seongju into a military target. Clashes during related protests have occurred on numerous occasions in recent months.

This comes following a period of high tensions on the Korean Peninsula, in light of the repeated North Korean nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launches.

According to the US government, the THAAD missile defense system is intended to protect against North Korean ballistic missile strikes. The system destroys short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in their final flight phase.

Advice

Individuals present in South Korea are advised to exercise caution and to maintain a safe distance from all protests.