Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Police struggle to control large rallies at National Assembly
Liberty Korea Party lawmakers stage a protest in front of the National Assembly to voice opposition to the new prosecutorial reform bill, Dec. 17. Korea Times file
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Starting this year, protesters are able to stage rallies in the vicinity of the National Assembly, keeping police on their toes.
Until last year, protests were banned from within 100 meters of the Assembly, but the Constitutional Court ruled last May that the law was in discordance with the Constitution, saying it “violates the right to protest and to hold rallies.”
It also ruled, if a revision is not made by Dec. 31, 2019, the law would lose its legal force in 2020.
However, lawmakers failed to pass the revision due to scores of other contentious pending bills awaiting vote.
As a result, there is no longer any law prohibiting large-scale rallies in front of the National Assembly, putting the police on high alert.
Rep. Kang Chang-il of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea issued several revised bills that allow small rallies which do not hinder the National Assembly's functions. However, those bills have been pending at the Assembly's standing committee without going through formal discussions.
Currently, anyone who registers for a rally could protest right in front of the National Assembly, and worries are growing that protesters could even jump the 170-centimeter fence around the property.
In times of emergency, the police are seeking to set up boundary lines in several areas around the premises and dispatch more personnel to the scene.
Even though large protests hinder the operations of the National Assembly, police will have no legal authority to disband the rallies or punish protesters.
There are several large rallies scheduled to be held during the weekend near Seocho Station on Seoul Metro Line 2 and in central Seoul, where road congestion and additional traffic restrictions are expected in the area.
Conservatives are scheduled to hold rallies throughout the weekend, kicking off with a massive rally held by the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, Friday.
Starting at 3 p.m. the participants of the rally will march from Seoul Station to Gwanghwamun Square, while another rally is scheduled consisting of 10 conservative groups which will be held in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Seoul, calling for President Moon Jae-in's resignation.
Another conservative rally is scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. Saturday near the Supreme Prosecutors' Office at Seocho Station, calling for the release of imprisoned former President Park Geun-hye.
“Traffic congestion is expected in central Seoul and in the Seocho area which will cause inconvenience,” a police officer said. “We advise people to use public transportation, and we advise drivers to take alternative routes that avoid congested areas.”