Lee Nak-yeon: "Block Gaecheonjeol Rally at All Costs" Kim Chang-ryong: "No Exceptions, Legal Action"

Lee Nak-yeon "Police Must Risk Their Fate to Show That Public Authority Is Alive"
Kim Chang-ryong "Prevent at the Gathering Stage"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jin-young] Amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and some conservative groups announcing their intention to proceed with rallies on Gaecheonjeol and Hangeul Day, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, ordered a strong response to Police Commissioner Kim Chang-ryong on the 22nd.

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, poses ahead of a meeting with Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, on the large-scale rally by conservative groups on National Foundation Day at the National Assembly on the 22nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the same day, Lee met with Commissioner Kim in the party leader's office at the National Assembly and said, "COVID-19 cases have dropped to double digits for the first time in a while over the weekend. However, this is not a stage to be complacent. The hidden challenges of the Chuseok holiday, Gaecheonjeol, and Hangeul Day rallies remain."

He added, "However, the organizers have not withdrawn their rally plans," and urged, "I hope the police will block them at the source with a resolute will to show the public that public authority is alive, staking their honor on this." Lee emphasized, "Only by doing so can the public feel reassured, and the spread of COVID-19 can stabilize. At the same time, I believe this will serve as a stern warning to forces that take public authority lightly."

Commissioner Kim responded, "Under a serious awareness, the police plan to respond thoroughly with all the authority permitted by law, deploying the maximum personnel and equipment available." He stated, "Forcing a prohibited rally by mobilizing a large number of people threatens community safety and is a criminal act that destroys legal order. The police will preemptively deploy the maximum possible forces and equipment near the rally sites to block the gatherings from the assembly stage."

He further declared that strong legal action would not be spared. Commissioner Kim warned, "If illegal rallies are forced, we will promptly proceed with dispersal procedures, and participants who disobey dispersal orders will be directly dispersed. Illegal violent actors will be strictly dealt with under the principle of immediate arrest, and all illegal acts such as disobedience to dispersal orders and violations of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act will be prosecuted without exception."