South Korea: Multiple groups plan rallies in Seoul March 9

Various groups plan to stage demonstrations in Seoul from the afternoon of March 9. The most prominent gathering will occur 13:30-15:00, when 1,500 members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) will march from the Dongdaemun Design Plaza via Sejong intersection to the Press Center in Jung District. Organizers are demanding the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol over inflation and perceived labor rights' suppression. Planned gatherings will occur at the following locations:

• Donghwa Duty Free Shop: Rally to occur 13:00

• National Assembly Building: Outfits to march from the National Assembly Station toward political party offices at 15:00, and toward the assembly building from Yanghwa Bridge at 16:00

• War Memorial of Korea: Groups to gather at North Gate and in front of the monument; marches planned to the venue from various exits of Samgakji Station

• Press Center: National People's Movement to rally with around 2,000 people from 15:00

• Seoul Plaza: Activists denouncing government actions following the Itaewon crowd crush to gather from 17:00; rallies to mark the 500-day anniversary of the incident to also occur in Blue Square, Itaewon Station, and Itaewon Square

• Presidential Office: Candlelight Action group opposing President Yoon's term to gather near his office in Yongsan after marching through downtown areas

• Bosingak: March from Ilmin Museum of Art from 12:00

• Gwanghwamun Square: Rally towards Press Center from 14:00

Authorities will likely increase security deployment and may impose traffic restrictions for the day, mainly around Sejong-daero in central Seoul. Although violence is unlikely, minor scuffles may break out if protesters attempt to breach security cordons or police try to disperse gatherings forcibly.

Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially if large gatherings materialize or activists block streets. Traffic delays will most probably affect roads in downtown Seoul, including the Jongno, Euljiro, Itaewon-ro, Eunhaeng-ro, Gukhoe-daero, and Yeouigongwon-ro roads, as well as Sejong and Sungnyemun intersections.