The civic group leading the rally demanding the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol illegally occupied Gwanghwamun Square, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to impose a compensation fee.
On the 17th, a banner performance took place at the emergency national declaration rally urging the immediate dismissal of Yoon Seok-yeol, hosted by the Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of Yoon Seok-yeol and Social Reform, held at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 17th, Seoul City announced, "We will take strict measures, including imposing compensation fees, against the Emergency Action for Immediate Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol and Great Social Reform (Emergency Action) for illegally occupying the northern part of Gwanghwamun Square."
According to the city, the Emergency Action attempted to enter the square at 11:10 a.m. with two trucks, including a stage truck. Despite administrative guidance from city hall staff, they proceeded to enter, and at 1:10 p.m., they entered with a truck loaded with chairs and began the occupation.
The city claimed, "After the illegal occupation, Emergency Action installed a stage vehicle, about 1,000 chairs prepared separately, and one tent, unlawfully occupying the square, blocking pedestrian pathways and causing inconvenience to citizens walking by."
It added, "The city plans to impose compensation fees for the unauthorized use of Gwanghwamun Square in accordance with the Public Property and Goods Management Act."
Kim Chang-gyu, head of Seoul City's Balanced Development Headquarters, said, "Citizens experienced inconvenience due to the unauthorized intrusion and occupation by a specific group without prior permission in Gwanghwamun Square, which should be safely and comfortably used by everyone. We will hold them strictly accountable according to relevant laws to prevent such inconvenience from recurring."
In response, Emergency Action posted a statement on social media, saying, "In fact, Seoul City turns a blind eye to the daily occupation of Gwanghwamun Square by far-right forces. Such biased administration is not only discriminatory but also raises suspicions of political intent to suppress voices calling for Yoon Suk-yeol's dismissal," and strongly condemned the discriminatory and biased administration.
They also urged, "Seoul City should no longer commit illegal acts by trying to silence the voices of citizens demanding the dismissal of the traitor Yoon Suk-yeol under the pretext of illegality."
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