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14 Jan 2023 | 04:59 AM UTC

South Korea: Various civil society and political groups plan to protest in downtown Seoul Jan. 14 /update 1

Various civil society and political groups plan to protest at multiple locations in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 14. Increased security likely.

Informational

Event

Various civil society and political groups plan to protest in downtown Seoul Jan. 14 to demand several concessions, including the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Organizers have released the following details regarding the schedule of protest activity:

  • 13:00: Supporters of the Liberty Unification Party plan to rally near Donghwa Duty-Free Shop in Jongno-gu.

  • 14:00: Members of the New Freedom Solidarity will march from the Samgak area to the entrance of Sookmyung Women's University.

  • 14:00: Activists will hold a memorial for the Itaewon crowd crush incident in front of the War Memorial of Korea.

  • 15:00: Activists affiliated with the Democratic Citizen’s Candlelight Coalition plan to rally in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor’s Office and near the Seoul National University of Education Station.

  • 15:00: Activists will march from Samgakji Station to City Hall Station. Organizers then plan to assemble at City Hall Station at 16:30 and may hold a rally.

Hundreds to thousands of people could participate in the events. Additional gatherings are possible, especially near prominent public squares, parks, government buildings, and thoroughfares. Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture around the demonstrations. Officers may also implement traffic-control measures in protest-affected areas; additional security measures are possible.

Localized transport disruptions will almost certainly occur near the planned venue sites, especially if activists block and/or march along major roadways. While violence is unlikely, isolated skirmishes may occur between police and activists as well as between rival groups of demonstrators, especially if rally participants attempt to gather in unauthorized areas or breach security cordons.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near the gathering.