By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Farmers' groups and street vendors will join today a large-scale candlelight vigil organized by civic groups to protest the resumption of U.S. beef imports.
The Korean government succeeded in modifying the beef import agreement with the United States, accepting part of demands proposed by civic groups and opposition parties. But demonstrators are showing no signs of retreat.
An online community seeking impeachment of President Lee Myung-bak held a candlelight vigil at Cheonggye Plaza in downtown Seoul Wednesday evening. They protested against the full opening of the local market to American beef.
The government announced Tuesday that Korea and the U.S. recently exchanged letters confirming Seoul's right to stop imports of American beef if an outbreak of mad cow disease occurs. But opponents are not satisfied with the amendment, calling for a re-negotiation.
A coalition of civic groups will hold a massive rally this evening, which will be joined by the groups of farmers. The groups will join the rally after holding their own demonstration in protest against the free trade agreement with the U.S. in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido.
An association of street vendors will also take part in the gathering. Before joining, the group will stage a rally to protest a security guard's recent beating of an elderly female street vendor. In a candlelight vigil last Saturday, a young guard hired by Seoul City assaulted the vendor. A video clip recording the violent scene was spread through the Internet, causing public anger and forcing the city government to make a public apology.