Some Conservative Groups Say "Stop Gaecheonjeol Rally... Will Replace with Vehicle Protest"

Kim Moon-soo "Current Administration Poised to Exploit Gwanghwamun Rally"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Some conservative groups that had planned a large-scale rally at Gwanghwamun in Seoul on National Foundation Day have withdrawn their intention to proceed with the rally. However, they insist on carrying out a "drive-through" style vehicle protest, which is expected to cause friction with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the police.

Former Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo and Pastor Seo Kyung-seok, representative of the "People's Movement for a New Korea," held a press conference in front of the National Assembly on the 24th, declaring, "We will not hold the Gwanghwamun rally on October 3rd and request that all other right-wing groups take the same stance as us."

They stated, "The Moon Jae-in administration is prepared to exploit the Gwanghwamun rally on October 3rd to the fullest extent," adding, "If this rally takes place, conservative groups will be labeled as the main spreaders of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), undermining public trust and creating a situation that is absolutely advantageous to the administration."

They also said, "No matter how rampant COVID-19 is, we must express our anger at the Moon Jae-in administration's misdeeds and mistakes," and "We believe the only way to express our intentions without falling into the government's COVID trap is through a car parade."

Furthermore, they added, "All patriotic forces should file rally notifications individually and carry out vehicle protests, with thousands or tens of thousands of vehicles traveling across the country to demand the resignation of Choo Mi-ae (Minister of Justice) and condemn anti-American and pro-China stances."

The "People's Movement for a New Korea" has reported to the police that they will conduct a vehicle march from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on National Foundation Day, starting at the Federation of Korean Industries building in Yeouido, passing through Gwanghwamun Square, and ending at Seocho Police Station. The reported scale is 200 vehicles.

The police plan to ban the vehicle protest, judging that it could ignite a resurgence of COVID-19.

In response, former Governor Kim told reporters, "We will conduct a 'drive-through' style vehicle protest within the legal limits," adding, "Since gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited, we will organize the vehicles in groups of nine."