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| Anti-government protesters prepare to start a car-based demonstration from a parking lot in Mapo District, Seoul. Yonhap |
By Kim Se-jeong
In response to the rising public criticism after the Aug. 15 rallies, some anti-government protesters have chosen an alternative way to make their voices heard ― while staying in their cars.
On Saturday, almost 45 cars ― nine each in five groups ― cruised around Seoul bearing anti-government messages.
One banner bore the slogan "Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae out." Protesters also criticized Moon Jae-in and his government's pro-China, anti-U.S. foreign policies and acts of corruption by close aides of the President.
Five groups drove on different routes ― Mapo Resevoir Parking Lot to Seocho Fire Office, Sadang Public Parking Lot to Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Dobongsan Station on lines 1 and 7 to Sinseoldong Station on lines 1, 2 and the Ui LRT, Sinseoldong Station to Wangsimni Station on lines 2, 5, the Gyeongui-Jungang Line and the Bundang Line, and Gubeundari Station on Line 5 to Gangdong Bus Garage.
The drivers were members of a conservative group that gathered at Gwanghwamun in August. The group said they will carry out another in-car protest on Oct. 3.
"In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we needed to think creatively about how to get our message out," Seo Kyeong-seok, the conservative group's leader, was quoted as saying by the Joongang Ilbo. "Instead of traditional gatherings where mass crowds come together at one place, we're encouraging people to partake in small gatherings across Korea."
Seo made a quick mathematical assessment of the planned Oct. 3 demonstration, "If nine cars participate in each district of Seoul, the protest will see more than 200 cars."
The group still needs permission to hold the in-car protest and the police have so far refused.
"If we don't get permission, we'll file an administrative suit," Seo said.
Asked if the car-based protest will still be held despite the negative public sentiment against such acts, Seo said, "People didn't like the physical gatherings because the virus spread through participants. But with cars, people do not have to worry about infections. It will only be one person in each car. Also, we don't see that nine cars in each district will create heavy traffic in the city."
The government stands firm to prevent any form of anti-government gatherings on Oct. 3.
Last week, the commissioner of the National Police Agency, Kim Chang-yong, said no gatherings on Oct. 3 will be allowed. He also said law enforcement will screen for downtown-bound protesters at different spots ― Seoul city limits, Han river bridges and various inner-city checkpoints ― on Oct. 3 to prevent protesters from making it to the city center.
Political protests are not illegal under the Constitution, but the government with the police at their command have attempted to ban them citing public health concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The country experienced a spike in coronavirus cases directly connected to political rallies that took place on Aug. 15.
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