South Korea: Protests in Seoul January 9, 18

Event

An association of 65 civic groups reportedly staged a rally in front of the US Embassy in Seoul on Thursday, January 9, to denounce the killing of the Iranian commander Qasem Suleimani in Baghdad (Iraq) on Friday, January 3, and to urge the government not to deploy South Korean troops to the Strait of Hormuz.

Civic groups called for further protests to be held on Thursday, January 18.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected in the vicinity of all protests.

Context

Heightened tensions are reported between Iran and the United States following a targeted attack that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani on January 3.

On January 7, the US ambassador to Korea declared in a media interview that he hoped Seoul would contribute to the maritime force in the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul's Foreign Ministry have not confirmed whether a decision to send troops to the region have been made.

Advice

Individuals in Seoul are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to business and transportation around protest sites.