"We Are Charlie Kirk"... Anti-China Protesters March Near Myeongdong

Rally in Downtown Excludes Chinese Embassy
Anti-China Protests Spread, No Major Clashes Amid Police Restrictions

Conservative groups continued their anti-China protests in downtown Seoul on the evening of the 19th.

An extreme right-wing group is holding an anti-China rally near the Chinese Embassy in Myeongdong on the afternoon of the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News

At around 7:30 p.m., conservative organizations such as Mincho Gyeolsadae began their march in front of the Seoul Central Post Office in Jung-gu, passing by the Bank of Korea, Sogong-ro, and Jonggak Station on Subway Line 1, before finishing at Daehanmun Gate. The route did not include the Chinese Embassy in Korea.

About 100 participants waved the South Korean and American flags, chanting slogans such as "China’s involvement in election fraud," "Put Lee Jaemyung on trial," and "Release President Yoon." Flags bearing the photo of recently murdered American right-wing activist Charlie Kirk and the phrase "We are Charlie Kirk" were also seen.

No notable clashes or physical confrontations occurred during the march. The protesters generally complied with police requests to "minimize inconvenience to citizens and tourists" and "be careful not to let flags cross onto the roadway." The police allowed the rally on the condition, announced in advance, that "verbal abuse, violence, and unnecessary conflicts with diplomatic missions or tourists are strictly prohibited."

Recently, following anti-China protests by some conservative groups such as Jayu University and Mincho Gyeolsadae, merchants in Myeongdong and Chinese nationals residing in Korea expressed concerns over safety. In response, on the 12th, police restricted these groups from entering Myeongdong. Since then, protests have shifted to areas with large Chinese populations, such as Yeongdeungpo and Daerim-dong, where both large and small disturbances have continued.

On this day, Prime Minister Kim Minseok instructed the acting Commissioner General of the National Police Agency to "take strong measures in accordance with the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Police Officers’ Performance of Duties Act, if necessary."