"Jjang X, Get Out" Anti-China Protests Restricted from Entering Myeongdong Starting September 12

Police Notify Protesters of Myeongdong Entry Restrictions
"Hundreds Crowd Narrow Streets, Making Hate Speeches"

The police have banned 'anti-China protests' from entering the Myeongdong commercial district and the area near the Chinese Embassy in Seoul starting September 12. This measure was taken in response to demands from local merchants who have repeatedly complained about protesters' abusive language and noise.

Conservative groups protesting near Myeongdong Street. YouTube capture

On September 12, the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul announced that it had issued a notice restricting entry into Myeongdong for conservative groups such as 'Mincho Gyeolsadae', which had reported plans to hold rallies and marches near the Chinese Embassy at 7:30 p.m. Previously, rallies were permitted on the side streets of Myeongdong, with restrictions to minimize gatherings within 100 meters of the Chinese Embassy. However, starting on this day, entry into Myeongdong itself has been completely prohibited.

This action was taken in response to repeated requests from merchants in the area. The Myeongdong Tourism Special Zone Council had previously called for restrictions on rallies, stating, "With 200 to 500 people crowding into narrow streets and making hate speeches, concerns about safety accidents are growing."

Recently, several anti-China rallies organized by conservative groups have taken place near Myeongdong. These groups have used derogatory terms for Chinese people, shouting slogans such as "Jjang X" and "Get out." Some participants have shouted loudly or created noise using megaphones and drums. In July, members of the conservative group 'Jayoo Daehak' staged a performance in which they tore a Chinese national flag banner featuring a caricature of the Chinese ambassador to Korea. This incident prompted the Chinese Embassy to send a letter of protest to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung also strongly criticized the anti-China protests during a cabinet meeting on September 9, saying they were "not freedom of expression, but mere disruption," and called for effective countermeasures.