Unexpected Encounter with "Yoon Again" Protesters During State Visit
Watches Curiously and Nods Along to the Rhythm
As President Donald Trump visits South Korea as a state guest for the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, a scene in which the accompanying White House Press Secretary unexpectedly encounters a far-right protest group chanting "Yoon Again" has drawn attention.
The Youngest White House Press Secretary Spotted on Hwangridan-gil in Gyeongju
Caroline Leavitt (red circle), White House Press Secretary, is watching the 'Yoon Again' protesters marching in front of Olive Young on Hwangridan-gil, Gyeongju, on the 29th. YouTube channel 'Jayudream TV'
A video released on the YouTube channel 'Jayudream TV' on the 29th shows Caroline Leavitt, the 28-year-old White House Press Secretary, standing with her companions in front of the Olive Young store on Hwangridan-gil in Gyeongju, watching the protesters. It is presumed that she happened to encounter the protest while visiting Olive Young to purchase Korean cosmetics.
In the video, Press Secretary Leavitt looks on with curiosity at the protesters waving American and South Korean flags and chanting slogans such as "Lee Jaemyung, vacate the room," "Yoon Again" (referring to the return of former President Yoon Suk-yeol), and "Impeachment invalid." She is seen subtly nodding her head to the rhythm of the song the protesters are singing. A person involved in the video remarks, "Wasn't that the (U.S.) spokesperson you just saw? Did I see that wrong? The person in the center."
Caroline Levitt (center), White House spokesperson, is watching the march of the 'Yoon Again' protesters she happened to encounter in front of Olive Young on Hwangridan-gil, Gyeongju, on the 29th. YouTube channel 'JayooDream TV'
Gyeongju Divided on the Day of the Korea-U.S. Summit
The city center of Gyeongju was in turmoil all day as pro- and anti-Trump rallies were held simultaneously in response to President Trump's visit. In the Hwangridan-gil area, conservative groups held welcome rallies chanting "Long live Trump" and "Yoon Again," while anti-Trump groups countered by shouting "No Trump" near the National Gyeongju Museum and Hilton Hotel.
On the morning of the 29th, near Guhwang Bridge in Dongcheon-dong, Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, the Organizing Committee for the 2025 APEC Opposition International People's Action is holding an anti-Trump protest. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
The 'APEC Opposition International People's Action' condemned Trump's tariff policies as "economic exploitation" and staged a performance near Guhwang Bridge. Some protesters attempted to cross the police line and enter the road near the museum but were stopped by authorities.
Conservative groups also continued their counter-rallies. In the Hwangnam-dong area, chants of "Long live Trump, long live the USA" rang out, and the group 'Freedom University' marched while shouting "Boycott China." Over 20 pro- and anti-Trump rallies were reported throughout Gyeongju during the day, and the police deployed a large force to maintain order.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
