Police Investigate 'Beomtu-bon' for Forcing Gwanghwamun Rally Despite COVID-19 Infection Concerns

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon is urging the suspension of the rally held on the afternoon of the 22nd at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, organized by the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in. Amid concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the Seoul city government banned rallies at Gwanghwamun Square and other locations, but the National Struggle Headquarters for the Resignation of Moon Jae-in proceeded with the planned rally in the city. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seung-jin] The police have launched an investigation into the Moon Jae-in Resignation National Struggle Headquarters (Beomtubon) and others who forcibly held rallies at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square and other locations where gatherings were banned due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the police on the 23rd, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency began securing evidence by analyzing videos of the Beomtubon rally held at Gwanghwamun the previous day.

Jeon Gwang-hoon, pastor of the Korea Christian Federation (Han Ki-chong) who leads Beomtubon, started the "National Rally for Moon Jae-in's Resignation" at Gwanghwamun Square from noon on the 22nd, stating, "We have no choice but to hold the scheduled rally."

Pastor Jeon took the podium and encouraged participants by claiming, "Clinically confirmed, there is absolutely no (COVID-19 infection) outdoors."

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon visited Gwanghwamun Square that day and requested the rally participants to "stop the rally and return home quickly," adding, "It could harm not only your safety but also the safety and health of those around you and your neighbors."

The rally participants disrupted his speech with jeers and insults, and some approached Mayor Park but were stopped by the police.

According to Article 49 of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, the Minister of Health and Welfare or local government heads can restrict gatherings to prevent infectious diseases. Violating the ban may result in a fine of up to 3 million won.

Earlier, based on this provision, the Seoul city government notified about ten organizations that had announced plans to hold rallies at Gwanghwamun Square and other places this weekend that their gatherings were prohibited.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Beomtubon plans to continue holding rallies on the upcoming weekend, the 29th of this month, and the 1st of next month.