SOUTH KOREA: Anti-US protests mark New Year's Eve

Issue 


Around 30,000 people staged a candlelight rally at Gwanghwa Gate, Seoul, on New Year's Eve to protest the killing of two high school students, Shin Hyo-Soon and Shim Mi-Sun (inset), by US soldiers driving an armoured vehicle in June. The soldiers were acquitted by a US military court in late November. The protesters demanded the soldiers' re-trial in a Korean court, a direct apology from US President George Bush and the overhaul of the Status of Forces Agreement between Seoul and Washington. After speeches and cultural performances, the participants marched to the US embassy. Attempts to form a human chain around the embassy were blocked by thousands of riot police and a cordon of police buses. Thousands more rallied in other South Korean cities. The December 31 actions followed candlelight rallies on December 7-8, 14 and 21. Photos from <http://www.base21.org>.

From Green Left Weekly, January 15, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page. 

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.