Jeon’s group, the Korea First National Movement Headquarters, began its rally at 11:30 a.m. near the Dongwha Duty Free Shop in the Gwanghwamun area. About 6,000 people attended, according to an unofficial police estimate, waving South Korean and U.S. flags.
From the stage, Jeon referred to his visit with Yoon. Jeon’s visit to Yoon at the Seoul Detention Center on April 30 had been reported earlier.
“We have to make a decision. The preamble to the Constitution says to carry on the spirit of April 19,” Jeon said, adding that when the country is in turmoil it means invoking “the people’s right to resist,” as in the April 19 movement.
Jeon also said martial law is “one of the president’s governing powers,” and claimed that if 10 million people gather in what he called “nonviolent arms,” as advocated by India’s Gandhi, “we can rebuild the Republic of Korea.”
Jeon was previously arrested in connection with unrest at the Seoul Western District Court and was released on bail last month. He has since resumed public appearances and rallies, delivering political messages.
The May 2 event was among the first large public rallies held after Jeon’s visit with Yoon became known.
Separately, at 5 p.m. the progressive group Candlelight Action held a rally in front of Seoul City Hall and marched toward the U.S. Embassy in Gwanghwamun.
The group denounced U.S. calls to ensure the personal safety of Coupang Inc. Chairman Kim Beom-seok, calling it a “violation of sovereignty.” It also described some U.S. diplomatic and security-related steps as “interference in internal affairs” and demanded a reset of South Korea-U.S. relations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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