10 Jan 2022 | 04:19 AM UTC
South Korea: Business owners plan to protest in Seoul Jan. 10-12 against COVID-19 policies
Business owners plan to protest at Yeouido and National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea Jan. 10-12. Tight security likely.
Event
Business owners plan to protest in Seoul Jan. 10-12 against the government's COVID-19 policies. Participants will gather from 15:00 in the Yeouido area Jan. 10, though organizers have yet to announce a specific location. Separately, activists will also protest outside the National Assembly building from 14:00 Jan. 12. Dozens to hundreds of people could participate in the protests. Although authorities have not pre-emptively banned the gathering, police action is likely if the demonstrations violate ongoing social distancing controls.
Officials will almost certainly monitor the events and will likely try to disperse disruptive gatherings. Skirmishes between protesters and police are possible, especially if security personnel use force to break up protests. Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially in the case of a large turnout. Officials may impose checkpoints and roadblocks depending on the scale of the protest. Localized business disruptions are also possible.
Advice
Avoid the protests as a security precaution. If clashes break out, leave the area immediately. Monitor trusted local media for updates on additional gatherings as organizers may not announce them in advance. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near events. Confirm business appointments and transport schedules in advance.
