A civic group in Seoul organized a protest outside the US Embassy, accusing the United States of meddling in South Korea’s internal matters. Approximately 500 demonstrators gathered at the embassy compound, criticizing the US for pressuring Seoul to lift an exit ban on Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of K-pop giant Hybe. The protesters also accused the US of targeting President Lee Jae Myung for not supporting its actions against Iran and for wanting an early transfer of wartime control.
The group condemned Washington for limiting intelligence-sharing with Seoul regarding North Korea due to concerns over the disclosure of shared intelligence on a North Korean nuclear facility. They also objected to the nomination of Michelle Park Steel, a former Republican lawmaker, as the new US ambassador to South Korea. The protesters, part of the “Candlelight Action” group, marched from Jonggak Station to the embassy compound to stage their demonstration.
Police urged the protesters to keep moving, and there were no confrontations as the demonstrators followed police instructions. Earlier, a separate demonstration led by a conservative group of around 6,000 protesters, including hard-line activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, took place in Gwanghwamun. This group defended the former President’s brief imposition of martial law as a legitimate action during national crises.
In a past event, conservative and progressive groups held opposing rallies after a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to life imprisonment for attempting to enforce martial law in 2024.
