PHOTOS: Moon Jae-in Administration’s Suppression of Freedom of Assembly in South Korea on 10.3 National Foundation Day

2020-10-4, Tara O

On October 3, 2020 the Moon administration deployed 11,000 police, 300 police buses, and 90 checkpoints to block the people from gathering in Gwanghwamun Plaza (Syngman Rhee Plaza) to protest against Moon Jae-in, Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae, election fraud issues, and more.

The government’s over-the-top reaction came after it arrested and jailed three of the rally organizers and threatened arrests, fines, car towing for car rallies.

Although the government’s stated reason was for “public health” related to Coronavirus, there were no efforts to block crowds in other places, such as amusement parks, markets, bars, night clubs, the subway, and elsewhere.

Below photos from October 3, 2020 tell the story.

Gwanghwamun Plaza (Syngman Rhee Plaza); view toward north (toward Blue House); Police buses form a fence to block foot traffic.

View from Gwanghwamun Plaza toward south; Buses and police blockade

View from Gwanghwamun Plaza looking south toward City Hall (not shown, toward the top left of the photo)

By City Hall, facing west toward Kyongbok Palace

Crowds elsewhere

Meanwhile, there are crowds elsewhere, including amusement parks, markets, dance clubs, karaoke singing rooms, and subway, but the government makes no mention of them and makes no efforts to prevent crowding in those places.