Anti-China Protest Erupts in Central Seoul... Chinese Tourists Shout "Stop Fake News" Amid Insults and Jeers

Controversy Over Hate Speech and Profanity Directed at Foreigners by Protesters
Verbal Altercations During Protest, But No Physical Clashes Occur

On the evening of September 23, a far-right group held an anti-China protest in the heart of downtown Seoul. During the protest, a Chinese woman protested by shouting, "Stop fake news," leading to a heated argument with the demonstrators.

On the 19th, a group held an anti-China rally. Photo by Yonhap News

More than 100 members of the conservative group Mincho Gyeolsadae and others began marching at around 7:30 p.m. the previous day, starting from the Seoul Central Post Office at the entrance to Myeongdong’s Chinatown, passing City Hall, and proceeding to the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace. The route did not include the Chinese Embassy in Korea.

The participants claimed that China had intervened in elections in Korea and other countries around the world, promoting conspiracy theories and chanting, "The presidential election is invalid." Some carried placards with English profanity, drawing frowns from both locals and foreigners. Two Chinese women who witnessed the protest appeared intimidated, tightly holding hands and quickly leaving the area.

At the rear of the protest, some demonstrators shouted "CCP out"-referring to the Chinese Communist Party-and hurled insults at tourists. Although the organizers announced at the start of the march that their purpose was different from previous rallies, once they left Myeongdong and reached City Hall, they began using hate speech, including slurs against Chinese people.

Some Chinese women protested in English, saying, "Stop fake news," and argued with the demonstrators, but the police intervened and prevented any physical altercation. When the police broadcast a message asking the protesters to comply with restrictions, some in the crowd responded by jeering and shouting, "Chinese police, go away," along with further insults.

As repeated anti-China protests have caused anxiety among Myeongdong merchants and Chinese residents in Korea, the police have restricted protestors from entering Myeongdong and banned unnecessary actions that could provoke conflict since September 12. However, conservative groups have continued their protests by moving their activities to places like Chinatown in Daerim-dong, Yeongdeungpo District.