Hundreds of people took to the streets in central Seoul to demonstrate both for and against US President Donald Trump on Saturday ahead of his visit to Korea next week.
An association of 220 left-wing political parties, civic groups, labor unions and student organizations held a rally near the US Embassy under the slogan “No Trump No War” with up to 5,000 people attending.
The far-left protesters criticized President Trump for worsening military tensions on the Korean Peninsula and threatening to start a war, chanting “Trump, don’t come to Korea.”
Shortly before their rally, about 500 people, mostly over 60s, gathered at exit 6 of Gwanghwamun station to welcome President Trump’s visit here. A pro-Trump rally was also held near Hyehwa Station, with some 3,000 attending.
The protesters expressed gratitude to the US and its leader for protecting South Korea from its communist neighbor. They called for a stronger response to the North’s military provocations.
President Trump is scheduled to visit Korea Tuesday to Wednesday to reaffirm the Korea-US alliance and increase pressure on North Korea to drop its nuclear arms development. He plans to visit Camp Humphreys, a US military base in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, and address the National Assembly.
Here are some pictures from today’s rallies.
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Participants in an anti-Trump rally held near the US Embassy, Saturday (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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A banner breading "We oppose Trump's visit to Korea" by an association of workers at an anti-Trump rally held near the US Embassy, Saturday. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea herald) |
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"Opposition to war" at an anti-Trump rally held near the US Embassy, Saturday. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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Students dress as the angel of death and hold placards reading "You haven't tasted candles?" at an anti-Trump rally held near the US Embassy, Saturday. Candles represent South Korean people who took to the streets against corruption-ridden former President and called for fairer society for all, not just for the powerful. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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"Condemn Trump's racial, sex and minority discrimination!" |
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The picket bearing Trump's face reads "No War~ No Trump. Trump, don't come." (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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The red-colored boards read "Shut up Trump" at an anti-Trump rally held near the US Embassy, Saturday. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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Participants at an anti-Trump rally march toward the US Embassy holding a banner reading "Go away, Trump" following their main event. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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Participants wave national flags of South Korea and the US and hold placards saying "We Love Trump" at a pro-Trump rally held near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station in central Seoul.(Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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Some 100 people, mostly in ther 60s to 90s, attended a pro-Trump rally held near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station, Saturday. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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A large-scale Korean national flag at a pro-Trump rally near exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station, Saturday. (Ock Hyun-ju/The Korea Herald) |
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