Police: "March 1st Rally Ends Smoothly... Judicial Action Considered for Unreported Assembly at Boshingak"

Police forces are on guard duty in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 1st, where rallies by conservative groups are scheduled throughout the city center. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] On the 1st, the March 1st Independence Movement Day rallies held at 85 locations across Seoul concluded stably without any significant clashes. However, the police are considering legal action against some attempts at unreported gatherings.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency issued a statement saying, "The March 1st rallies were held in various forms such as assemblies, press conferences, and vehicle demonstrations throughout Seoul," and added, "They generally concluded stably."

The March 1st rallies took place in various parts of downtown Seoul in the form of assemblies and vehicle demonstrations (62 locations), and press conferences (16 locations). At seven locations including Sejongno Intersection, Jongno, Euljiro, and Taepyeongno, modified solo protests were also held.

The police added, "To support the government's and the nation's efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we cooperated with local governments such as the Seoul Metropolitan Government to guarantee legal assemblies as much as possible."

However, the police plan to review legal action based on evidence against about 40 people who attempted unreported gatherings and group movements near Bosingak on the same day.

The police emphasized, "We will continue to guarantee the constitutional right to freedom of assembly and demonstration to the fullest extent, but will strictly respond according to law and principles to illegal acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people."