Conservative Rallies Fill Downtown Seoul... Still Chanting "China Out"

Taegeukgi, Stars and Stripes, and One Piece Flags on Display

On October 3, National Foundation Day, conservative groups held large-scale rallies and marches in downtown Seoul.

At around 2:40 p.m. that day, members of organizations including the Free University and the Anti-Election Fraud Committee began marching from Dongdaemun Station on Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4, arriving at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu at approximately 3:40 p.m. to hold a rally. According to unofficial police estimates, about 4,000 people participated. The participants carried the Taegeukgi (South Korean national flag), the Stars and Stripes, and red balloons bearing the phrase "We are Charlie Kirk," chanting slogans such as "China Out," "Arrest Lee Jaemyung," and "Release President Yoon."

Members of organizations including the Free University and the Anti-Election Fraud Committee marched on the 3rd, departing from Dongdaemun Station on Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4, heading toward Gwanghwamun in Jongno-gu. Photo by Yonhap News

Earlier, the police's notice banning hate speech during the march lost its effect due to a court injunction, so the police requested restraint from the organizers. Nevertheless, expressions disparaging Chinese and North Korean residents still appeared. Alongside symbols alleging election fraud, pirate flags from the Japanese manga "One Piece," which have recently been used in anti-government protests in Southeast Asia, South America, and South Asia, were also seen.

Elsewhere, near Donghwa Duty Free Shop in Jongno-gu, the Liberty Unification Party, led by Pastor Jun Kwanghoon of Sarang Jeil Church, held a rally, while the Mincho Gyeolsadae, which has been staging anti-China protests daily, gathered near Seoul National Cemetery. According to unofficial police estimates, about 30,000 people attended the former and 120 people attended the latter. Flags bearing phrases such as "CCP OUT" and "Korea-US Alliance" were seen at the rallies, and there were also criticisms of the police for arresting Lee Jinsook, former chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission.