[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] A conservative group that had announced rallies in downtown Seoul for National Foundation Day and Hangul Day has reported to the police that it will hold outdoor worship services with about 1,000 participants at Gwanghwamun Square on the 18th and 25th.
The August 15 Citizens Emergency Committee (Emergency Committee) submitted such a report to the Jongno Police Station in Seoul on the 13th. Choi In-sik, Secretary General of the Emergency Committee, claimed, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government's extension of the assembly ban by administrative order is an ultra vires administrative act and an act of administrative dictatorship."
The rally location reported by the Emergency Committee for the specified dates is the north sidewalk of Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu and a 400-meter section of three lanes. The Emergency Committee stated that they will hold the rally while complying with quarantine rules, such as placing 1,000 chairs and maintaining a 2-meter distance.
As nationwide social distancing has been eased to Level 1, the police plan to actively allow rallies with fewer than 100 participants. However, the rally reported by the Emergency Committee is expected to be prohibited again for exceeding the participant limit.
Secretary General Choi said, "If an administrative disposition is issued, we will do everything legally possible," adding, "(We will) decide after gathering public consensus on filing administrative lawsuits or requesting suspension of execution."
Meanwhile, 'People's Action for a New Korea' (Saehan-guk), led by Pastor Seo Kyung-seok, also plans to hold a 'drive-through' rally with 99 vehicles participating on the 17th.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
