South Korea: Students break into US Ambassador's residence in Seoul October 18

Event

Approximately 17 students broke into the residence of the US Ambassador in Seoul on Friday, October 18, to protest against American influence in the country and Washington's demands that Seoul increase its contribution to the cost of defending South Korea. Using ladders, the students scaled the wall of the residence before streaming a video live demanding that the ambassador leave the country. Police detained the individuals, and the South Korean Foreign Ministry has called for a heightened security presence around the residence and the US Embassy in the coming days. The security forces did not immediately announce any injuries. Similar demonstrations are possible in the near term. 

Context

The US and South Korea are currently in talks regarding how to share the expense of the approximately 28,500 US troops present in the country. 

Advice

Individuals in Seoul - particularly US citizens - are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.