SEOUL — U.S. Forces Korea issued two force-protection warnings Friday due to anti-American demonstrations planned for Sunday — one of which could take place outside Yongsan Garrison’s Gate 5.
Student dissident groups including the Tongil Yondae, HanChongRyun and Pyongtongsa plan to protest an annual U.S.-South Korean exercise by holding an unregistered gathering outside Gate 5 Sunday between 2 and 5 p.m.
The Korean National Police did not issue a permit and have said they will not allow the groups to gather. Because of that, the USFK alert stated, there is potential for the protest to occur elsewhere in the city.
The protesters may burn representations of U.S. flags, throw items over the garrison fence or attempt to illegally enter the installation.
According to earlier warnings, the groups want to physically halt or interfere with two upcoming exercises. USFK warned commanders to “avoid all contact with protesters up to and including temporarily halting a training event until Korean authorities are able to maintain order.”
USFK personnel have been advised to avoid Gate 5 Sunday and stay off public transportation in the area between 1 and 6 p.m.
Also Sunday, about 5,000 members of the Pan National Organization against the ROK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement are expected to conduct a registered civil gathering and march at 3 p.m. at Seoul City Hall Plaza.
While the gathering is expected to be peaceful, USFK personnel have been advised to avoid the plaza and Gwanghwamun Citizens Park between 2 and 7 p.m.
