By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

Today's candlelit rally against the imports of American beef is likely to be the biggest one ever as it coincides with the 21st anniversary of the June 10, 1987 pro-democracy protest.

Hundreds of activists from that time are expected to join in the demonstration.

A group of some 300 Yonsei University students said that they will march with a portrait of Lee Han-yeol, who died during the 1987 protests, to reenact his funeral procession, from the school to Seoul Plaza, where the candlelit rally will be held. Lee's mother will participate in the march.

Lee, who was a Yonsei student, was struck in the head with a tear gas canister during a clash with riot police in front of the school 21 years ago. The accident detonated the pro-democracy movement, with white-collar office workers joining hands with students to hold a massive demonstration the next day. He died of his injuries about a month later.

``The June 1987 demonstration is revived in June 2008. As many people as those who took to the streets against the dictatorial regime 21 years ago now gather at the same place. The Lee Myung-bak government's decision to resume the imports of American beef runs counter to public opinion and to democracy. Citizens' voluntary rallies are the call for democracy,'' a member of the student group said Monday.

In accordance with the commemorative day, civic groups plan massive gatherings and say 1 million citizens will participate nationwide.

Many former activists who fought for democracy with the deceased Yonsei student will participate in the rally, including former United New Democratic Party lawmaker Woo Sang-ho, incumbent lawmaker Song Young-gil, and Seoul National University professor emeritus Paik Nak-cheong.

A civic coalition has urged citizens to take part in the protests through various ways, including lighting candles at the vigils, honking their horns at noon and 6 p.m., and posting articles denouncing the government on the Web site of Cheong Wa Dae.

``One million candles will be lit on June 10. We urge the President to read public sentiment and make a final decision for renegotiation. It is the only way that the President will regain public support,'' the coalition said on its Web site.

In the meantime, police said they will seek arrest warrants for one or two demonstrators who used violence during the 72-hour rally over the weekend. They allegedly hit riot policemen and destroyed patrol buses with iron pipes.

rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr