Nationalist rallies erupted across Seoul during the Chuseok holiday, drawing thousands of participants and prompting strong police vigilance. The events filled the capital with flags, chants, and tense confrontations. Authorities worked hard to control hate speech while ensuring public safety. Throughout the holiday, several far-right and conservative groups organized separate gatherings that highlighted their political causes.
One of the largest nationalist rallies took place near Gwanghwamun. The ultra-conservative youth group Freedom Univ. led the demonstration as part of its growing anti-China movement. Around 1,500 people, most dressed in black, marched through the city waving national flags. They blew horns, chanted “Korea for Koreans,” and carried signs calling for stricter immigration rules and stronger borders.
Police issued warnings against discriminatory slogans and hate speech to maintain public order. However, Freedom Univ. quickly filed a court injunction to challenge the restrictions. The court permitted the rally due to technical errors in police procedures. Despite the legal battle, officers stayed alert to ensure the demonstrations remained peaceful and contained.
At the same time, conservative pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon’s Liberty Unification Party held another rally downtown. Participants demanded justice for detained conservative figures and criticized the government’s handling of recent investigations. Major roads toward City Hall were blocked as crowds marched and waved both Korean and American flags. These nationalist rallies disrupted traffic across central Seoul but remained largely non-violent.
Elsewhere, members of the Korea Veterans’ Alliance gathered at Seoul Station to demand political accountability. They called for the arrest of government leaders and urged stronger national unity. Near a memorial statue for wartime sex slavery victims, counterprotesters argued against the historical record, intensifying tensions between rival groups. Police closely monitored both sides to avoid clashes.
Nationalist rallies in Seoul have grown more frequent in recent years, often aligning with national holidays and political milestones. The government now faces increasing pressure to balance free expression with public order.
