Protest

13
Feb 2025
6:02 UTC

South Korea Tactical: Multiple gatherings slated in Seoul on February 13; maintain vigilance

Current Situation

  • Activists from the People’s Lawyers Corps will gather at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 18:00 (local time) on February 13. This gathering aims to demonstrate public support for President Yoon Suk Yeol and to oppose his impeachment.
  • Additionally, activists from the Candlelight Action Group will protest outside Exit 1 of Anguk Station near the Constitutional Court in Seoul at 19:00 on February 13. This gathering aims to denounce the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the immediate dismissal of President Yoon.

Source: X/Twitter, Facebook 

Assessments & Forecast:

  1. The anticipated turnout at the scheduled gathering in Gwanghwamun Square is likely to range in the low to mid-hundreds, based on the mobilization capabilities of the organizing group coupled with widespread resonance amongst the conservative supporters of President Yoon. Similarly, participation in the planned demonstration at the Constitutional Court is expected to reach the low hundreds, aligning with turnout patterns observed in previous protests organized by the same group. In accordance with standard security protocol, the authorities are likely to implement heightened security measures in the vicinity of both locations, including an increased police presence and the establishment of barricades to monitor and regulate the proceedings.
  2. There remains a risk of localized skirmishes between anti-Yoon demonstrators and the police, especially if demonstrators engage in unruly actions such as breaching security protocols. Such risk is further compounded by the potential presence of pro-Yoon supporters in the vicinity of the anti-Yoon demonstration site. However, the likelihood of authorities employing stringent measures remains low, as such actions are subject to intense public scrutiny. Significant travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations due to the anticipated turnout and associated security measures during the protest hours on February 13.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Seoul on February 13 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations due to the slated gatherings and associated risk of localized clashes while allotting for travel disruptions.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Seoul, South Korea
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Current Situation

  • Activists from the People’s Lawyers Corps will gather at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul at 18:00 (local time) on February 13. This gathering aims to demonstrate public support for President Yoon Suk Yeol and to oppose his impeachment.
  • Additionally, activists from the Candlelight Action Group will protest outside Exit 1 of Anguk Station near the Constitutional Court in Seoul at 19:00 on February 13. This gathering aims to denounce the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the immediate dismissal of President Yoon.

Source: X/Twitter, Facebook 

Assessments & Forecast:

  1. The anticipated turnout at the scheduled gathering in Gwanghwamun Square is likely to range in the low to mid-hundreds, based on the mobilization capabilities of the organizing group coupled with widespread resonance amongst the conservative supporters of President Yoon. Similarly, participation in the planned demonstration at the Constitutional Court is expected to reach the low hundreds, aligning with turnout patterns observed in previous protests organized by the same group. In accordance with standard security protocol, the authorities are likely to implement heightened security measures in the vicinity of both locations, including an increased police presence and the establishment of barricades to monitor and regulate the proceedings.
  2. There remains a risk of localized skirmishes between anti-Yoon demonstrators and the police, especially if demonstrators engage in unruly actions such as breaching security protocols. Such risk is further compounded by the potential presence of pro-Yoon supporters in the vicinity of the anti-Yoon demonstration site. However, the likelihood of authorities employing stringent measures remains low, as such actions are subject to intense public scrutiny. Significant travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations due to the anticipated turnout and associated security measures during the protest hours on February 13.

Recommendations:

Those operating or residing in Seoul on February 13 are advised to maintain vigilance in the vicinity of the aforementioned locations due to the slated gatherings and associated risk of localized clashes while allotting for travel disruptions.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA Seoul, South Korea
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible