Korean Alliance against the ROK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement

USFK Force Protection Advisory for Civil Gathering Seoul 18 April 2007

Korean Alliance against the ROK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement Will conduct a Civil Gathering / March / Memorial Service at Various locations throughout Seoul on 18 April 2007, 0800 to 1900. The stated purpose of this civil gathering is to oppose ratification of the ROK-U.S. Free Trade Agreement and conduct a memorial for Park Se Wook (taxi driver who died from self – inflicted burn wounds while opposing the ROK – U.S. FTA) Participants are expected to travel throughout the Seoul area carrying banners and signs while chanting slogans. Below is a list of anticipated stop locations and times. This Civil Gathering is expected to be peaceful.

RSOI Civil Gathering

The Tongil Yondae, HanChongRyun, Pyongtongsa, and other Student Dissident Groups have declared they will conduct an Unregistered Civil Gathering at Yongsan Garrison, Gate #5, Seoul, on 25 March 2007, 1400 to 1700 to oppose RSOI. Risk is considered MODERATE due to the potential for violence and/or contact with USFK personnel.

Riot police buses lined up for blocks.

Riot buses on one side, protesters in middle, police line street.

Demonstrators carried banners, signs and flags. Groups fill the roadway some standing and some seated.

Police monitor the crowd to make sure the demonstration remains peaceful.

The middle of the 'action.'

Speaker at the civil demonstration. He was talking very passionately (and very loud) over a PA system, addressing the crowd.

To protest or not to protest?

Here in Seoul there are frequent "Civil Gatherings." The riot police show up by the hundreds in their buses. This afternoon swarms of riot police decked out in their gear stood seven men deep blocking all the subway entrances and exits. They must be doing a good job because hours later have yet to see any of the protesters. Hmm.