By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Seoul was busy on Wednesday with memorial ceremonies for Korea's 62nd Liberation Day.
Members of progressive and conservative civic groups gathered to commemorate the spirit of independence fighters. For safety concerns 121 riot police units were dispatched to keep an eye on proceedings.
The Korea Alliance of Progressive Movements held a demonstration near the Japanese Embassy in Jongno, downtown Seoul against Japan's anti-North Korea policies and discrimination against Korean-Japanese.
After the protest, the progressive civic group handed a letter to the embassy, also calling for the cease of military expansion by rightists, a sincere apology and compensation for Japan's colonial history, and efforts to enhance peace in Northeast Asia.
Later that evening, they also held a street parade from Daehangno to Gwanghwamun, which covered 4.3 kilometers, with banners reading ``the country without American troops'' and ``welcome the inter-Korean summit.'' About seven thousands members joined the parade.
The Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan held their 774th regular Wednesday demonstration in front of the Japanese Embassy.
They claimed that the Japanese government has been avoiding admitting their crimes and trying to distort history.
The Solidarity for Practice of the South-North Joint Declaration had a celebration event in Daehangno, hoping that the second inter-Korean summit will bring fruitful results for the peaceful reunification.
Other parts of Seoul were also crowded with demonstrations by members from conservative civic groups.
Civic groups of war veterans were gathered at Jongmyo Park in Jongno, downtown Seoul and held a 1.8-kilometer parade. The some 5,000 pro-American participants involved demanded that the North dismantle its nuclear weapons completely.
In its statement, they argued that the inter-Korean summit should not be used to disturb the presidential election and they will take action to punish pro-North collaborators.
A group of North Korean defectors along with conservatives were gathered in the plaza of the Seoul Train Station where they urged action to stop the talks between the North and South from be used as a political maneuver.
Meanwhile, members of the International Institute for Traditional Korean Culture Studies held various events to enact independence movements wearing traditional clothes in 19 cities including Seoul, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju.
From late on the night of Aug. 14 and early morning on Aug. 15, the main roads in Seoul were occupied with groups of young motorcyclists who traditionally enjoy riding on Liberation Day. The police cracked down on them and indicted 382 people.