South Korea: Supporters of former President Park Geun-hye plan to rally in Gangnam, Seoul 17:00 Dec. 24

Event

Supporters of former President Park Geun-hye plan to rally in Gangnam District, Seoul from 17:00 Dec. 24. Participants will gather outside the Samsung Medical Center, where she is admitted. Other celebratory rallies are possible, mainly in Seoul, as President Moon Jae-in has granted amnesty for Park, who was imprisoned in 2017 under corruption charges. Although authorities have not pre-emptively banned the gathering, police action is likely if the protest violates ongoing social distancing controls that prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people with mixed vaccination status and over 299 fully vaccinated people.

Officials will almost certainly monitor the event 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 rally 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.