Suppression of Freedom of Assembly in South Korea?

2020-8-13, Tara O

At least 26 organizations have been planning large protests to be held in various locations in Seoul on August 15, 2020 to mark the Independence Day (1948) and the Liberation Day (1945) of South Korea.  The major themes are calling for the impeachment of President Moon Jae-in and opposition to the government’s new restrictions on real estate, including efforts to criminalize multiple home ownership and the government setting rent amounts.

Rallies were already held on August 8, 2020 (Saturday) as a warm up for the big day–August 15, 2020.  People wore masks and held placards stating “Dismiss Moon Jae-in” and “Do you think this country belongs to you (Moon Jae-in)?”

On August 13, 2020, however, the City of Seoul announced that it issued an administrative order to the 26 organizations, banning the assembly citing Coronavirus.  Coronavirus had been cited by the Seoul city government in the past to ban religious worship, while the ruling Deobureo Minjoo Party (Democratic Party of Korea) political rallies, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon’s (ruling party) public funeral, labor union rallies, and subway riding (millions a day) went on.

Some groups vowed to rally on August 15 as planned, pointing out that the Seoul City government is using Coronavirus as an excuse, further stating that freedom of assembly and political association are rights guaranteed by the Constitution.