"Not Freedom of Expression but Sheer Disruption" President Lee Strongly Criticizes... Police Announce Strong Restrictions on Myeong-dong Anti-China Protest

Controversy Over Anti-China Protests Near Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong
Police Consider Notice Banning "Actions That Provoke Conflict"

The police have announced strong restrictions in response to the "anti-China protests" held near the Chinese Embassy in Myeong-dong, Seoul.

According to a Yonhap News report on the 10th, the Namdaemun Police Station is considering issuing a restriction notice to "Free University" and other groups leading the protests, which would include a ban on "acts that provoke conflict." This measure aims to prohibit behaviors such as swearing or violence during rallies and marches that could cause unnecessary clashes with diplomatic officials or tourists.

President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized anti-China protests at the Cabinet meeting held on the 9th at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul, saying, "It is not freedom of expression but chaos." Photo by Yonhap News

The police stated that if these restrictions are violated, they may order the dispersal of the protest on-site or ban the rally altogether. Repeated violations could result in criminal charges. A police official said, "If an act is deemed defamation or assault under the Criminal Act, immediate arrest on the spot is possible."

"Free University," the group leading the rallies, consists mainly of supporters of former President Yoon Suk-yeol among the younger generation. Since the impeachment crisis, they have continued to hold rallies throughout the Myeong-dong area, chanting slogans about "election fraud" and criticizing China. Some participants have engaged in threatening behavior toward passing foreigners or staged provocative performances targeting China, which have escalated into diplomatic issues. In fact, there was a case where an individual who tore a banner printed with the face of the Chinese ambassador was booked on charges of insulting a foreign envoy.

Seoul Jung-gu South Korean Chinese Embassy archive photo. Asia Economy DB

In relation to this, President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized the protests at the Cabinet meeting the previous day, saying, "It is not freedom of expression but chaos." President Lee instructed officials to devise effective measures, stating, "Now is the time to increase the number of tourists, but rallies insulting tourists from specific countries are taking place."