Hundreds protest U.S. FTA in Seoul

Hundreds of labor activists and farmers gathered in Seoul’s financial district of Yeouido on Saturday, demanding the government scrap the free trade agreement with the United States.

Some 2,700 riot police officers were mobilized to prevent a possible clash.

The rally came as South Korea’s government and the ruling Grand National Party have been stepping up efforts to get the trade deal passed through the National Assembly as early as possible after the U.S. Congress gave its final approval last month.

The trade deal, first signed in 2007 and modified last year, is now stuck in the parliamentary trade committee amid opposition objections. The main opposition Democratic Party claims the pact favors the U.S. and should be renegotiated.

The government says the opposition’s demands are unacceptable.

Dozens of labor groups are also set to hold massive rallies in Seoul on Sunday against the free trade pact with the U.S.

Police warned earlier in the day that they will take stern action against any illegal protesters. 

(Yonhap News)