South Korea: Various activist groups plan to rally in Seoul Nov. 19

Event

Various activist groups plan to rally in parts of Seoul Nov. 19 to demand several concessions, including the resignation of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Organizers have released the following details regarding the schedule of protest activity:

• 14:00: Various conservative political organizations, such as the Freedom and Unification Party, will hold a counter-rally outside the Dongwha duty-free store.

• 16:00: Demonstrators affiliated with the Candlelight Transition Movement will lead a protest march from the Taepyeong-ro intersection toward Sungnyemun Gate.

• 17:00: Members of New Freedom Solidarity plan to hold a rally off of Exit 10 in Yongsan District, obstructing vehicular traffic; a rally is also planned near exits 11 and 12 in the Samgak neighborhood. Additionally, activists associated with various progressive groups will hold a march from an unspecified location on Yeouido Island.

Law enforcement officials have predicted that tens of thousands of people will likely participate in the rallies. Additional gatherings are possible, especially near prominent public squares, parks, government buildings, and thoroughfares. Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture around the demonstrations. Officers may also implement traffic-control measures in protest-affected areas; additional security measures are possible.

Localized transport disruptions will almost certainly occur near the planned venue sites, especially if activists block and/or march along major roadways; officials have warned of significant traffic congestion while accordingly advising commuters to use public transport in downtown Seoul for the duration of the rallies. While violence is unlikely, isolated skirmishes may occur between police and activists as well as between rival groups of demonstrators, especially if rally participants attempt to gather in unauthorized areas or breach security cordons.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Plan for transport disruptions near the rallies. Allow additional time to reach destinations in downtown Seoul Nov. 19. Heed all official transport and security advisories.