Opponents of the government plan another big rally in downtown Seoul on National Foundation Day on Oct. 3.
A previous anti-government rally on Liberation Day on Aug. 15 has been blamed for causing a resurgence of coronavirus infections.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Monday, nine groups have officially registered their plans for rallies in 33 locations downtown. Some 72,000 protesters from rightwing groups, leftwing labor unions, anti-U.S. and anti-Japanese groups, are expected to gather in various parts of the city.
The leader of the ruling Minjoo Party, Lee Nak-yon, warned of tough consequences should the rallies go ahead. "Illegal acts that threaten the lives of citizens cannot be condoned for any reason," he said. "We must punish and stop them according to law."
