12 Aug 2021 | 06:49 PM UTC
South Korea: Activists to demonstrate in central Seoul 06:00-18:00 Aug. 14-16 /update 1
Activists to demonstrate in central Seoul, South Korea, 06:00-18:00 Aug. 14-16. Increased security, additional rallies likely.
Event
Supporters of the Christian Council of Korea plan to stage a series of daily "walking event" demonstrations in central Seoul 06:00-18:00 Aug. 14-16. Participants will walk in a circuit passing by the Seoul Station, Sungnyemun Gate, Seoul City Hall, Deoksugung, and the Gwanghwamun Building. Activists plan to walk in solitary or socially distanced groups to circumvent COVID-19 restrictions on protests and other gatherings. The purpose of the action is to commemorate National Liberation Day and call for the impeachment of President Moon Jae-in. Thousands of people may participate in the demonstrations.
Other groups could stage additional rallies in Seoul on and around Aug. 15 for National Liberation Day. Activists typically use the holiday as an opportunity to advocate for their respective causes. Demonstrations could also occur outside the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts or government buildings like the Blue House and popular gathering sites such as Gwanghwamun Square and Yeouido Park. Dozens to hundreds of people may participate in various actions despite the ban on public gatherings due to COVID-19. Police have warned against rallies that would violate COVID-19 protocols.
Security personnel will almost certainly monitor protests and will likely try to enforce COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Authorities have warned of road closures, temporary checkpoints and disruptions to public transport during the protests. Demonstrators may block roadways, causing localized transport disruptions. Low-level clashes are possible if police forcibly attempt to break up gatherings. Mass arrests may occur if any demonstrators defy orders to disperse.
Advice
Avoid any large gatherings and known protest locations in Seoul as a precaution. Plan for localized commercial and traffic disruptions. Allow for additional travel time and seek routes avoiding the city center where demonstrations are most likely. If violence occurs, leave the area immediately and seek shelter at a safe non-government building.
