Anti-war rally proves nonviolent

Despite an earlier warning by the government and police, activists held an unregistered anti-war rally in downtown Seoul on Saturday and no clash between police and the activists was reported. Police warned Friday that they would ban all politically-motivated rallies if they repeatedly turn violent.
Police said more than 3,000 people gathered at Seoul’s Jongmyo Park around 5 p.m. for a rally opposing the U.S. campaign against Iraq. The rally was organized by an association of 700 civic groups under a theme of anti-war and peace promotion. Activists from the Pan Committee, which has staged candlelight vigils to mourn the accidental road deaths of two Korean teenage girls by a U.S. armored vehicle, also joined the rally.
Students and activists shouted slogans that the South Korean government must reconsider its decision of supporting the possible U.S. war against Iraq. South Korea has expressed its support for Washington at the UN Security Council.
The anti-war activists marched from Jongno to the area near the U.S. embassy in Gwanghwamun. The rally broke off around 9:30 p.m.
Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency dispatched a force of 7,000 to counter possible unlawful or violent action.
In a separate event, teachers and activists gathered at Daehangno around 1 p.m. in a peaceful rally opposing the government’s plan to open Korea’s education service market. Police estimated that about 2,500 gathered for the event.

by Ser Myo-ja