Seoul City Issues 'Assembly Ban' Administrative Order on All Gatherings on the 15th (Update)

On the afternoon of the 25th of last month, participants of the "Candlelight Rally Against the Retroactive Application of Excessive Real Estate Regulation Policies and Nationwide Tax Resistance Movement" are holding candles in front of the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation in Jung-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued an administrative order banning assemblies for 26 groups that have announced plans to hold large-scale rallies with a total of 220,000 participants in the city on August 15, Liberation Day.

Park Yumi, Seoul’s quarantine control officer, held a briefing on the 13th and said, "Recently, cluster infections of COVID-19 have occurred at religious facilities and Namdaemun Market, and the spread through secondary infections continues," adding, "Given that the severe stage of COVID-19 is still ongoing, citizens have heightened concerns about holding large-scale rallies, which led to this decision."

In particular, the Seoul city government pointed out that the Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, where many church members are expected to participate in the rally, poses a high risk of infectious disease spread, as confirmed cases were reported on the 12th.

The city had previously sent official letters requesting the cancellation of the rallies to the groups on the 11th and 12th, but some groups still refuse to back down from their intention to proceed with the rallies.

To ensure the effectiveness of the administrative order, the city requested administrative support from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency to respond jointly. In addition, if the rallies proceed, the organizers and participants will be identified through on-site evidence collection and reported, and if confirmed cases occur, the city plans to pursue claims for damages as well.

Officer Park said, "While the freedom of assembly must be respected, this is a critical situation where citizens’ safety must be secured from the infectious disease risk of COVID-19, and especially attending large-scale rallies is not just a personal issue but directly related to the health and lives of others," adding, "With only two days left until the rallies, we ask for wise judgment such as canceling the rallies."