LIVE IN SEOUL'S GWANGHWAMUN: This is absolute madness. Conservative groups have defied the ban on protests re: containing the spread of coronavirus in South Korea, which has surged. Most people here are elderly. They are singing "Imprison Moon Jae-in". Large police presence.
The ban was announced yesterday. Radical conservative groups have made it clear they don't care.
Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon urged people not to defy the ban, saying it "is an inevitable measure for the lives and safety of the people. This is a serious disaster situation."
Will take every legal measure if protests go ahead ,which they have.
Will take every legal measure if protests go ahead ,which they have.
Police has posted notices all over the places informing them of the ban. A van is blaring a message warning people of penalties for defying ban.
Banner here in Seoul's Gwanghwamun asking people comply with Seoul City's ban on rallies in accordance to Article 49.1 of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, which places a limit on urban rallies to prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases. 
If violated, a fine of less than 3 million won will be imposed.
These people don't care.
These people don't care.
This is pure madness.
They are now singing the South Korean national anthem. Many of the protesters are elderly, and aren't wearing masks.
This rally has been banned by Seoul City due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
This rally has been banned by Seoul City due to the recent surge in coronavirus cases.
This is another cult. The cult of the Parks.
Some have brought their children.
Confrontations with police.
For many here it's clear that their freedom of expression is more important than the safety of millions.
Many elderly people, mabg aren't wearing masks, some children too.
We've seen what large gatherings have produced in Daegu: a mass coronavirus outbreak.
I have no words.
Many elderly people, mabg aren't wearing masks, some children too.
We've seen what large gatherings have produced in Daegu: a mass coronavirus outbreak.
I have no words.
Literally have no words.
There are hundreds of police and detectives (including plain clothed) on site. I haven't seen any arrests of requests for identity.
Participants face a fine of up to 3 million won ($2.4K)
There are hundreds of police and detectives (including plain clothed) on site. I haven't seen any arrests of requests for identity.
Participants face a fine of up to 3 million won ($2.4K)
Police stands next to sign in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace saying that a ban on protests is in place, defiance of the ban will be a fine up to 3 million won.
The crowds keep pouring in. Amen amen and hallelujah they say.
Jeon Kwang-hoon, head of the Christian Council of Korea, is now on stage.
If this isn't madness, I don't know what is.
They are against Moon Jae-in's response to coronavirus, but don't seem to worry about the potential spread of the virus among many elderly people in close proximity of each other, defying a ban on rallies.
They are against Moon Jae-in's response to coronavirus, but don't seem to worry about the potential spread of the virus among many elderly people in close proximity of each other, defying a ban on rallies.
They are now bitching on stage about Shincheonji spreading the virus.
I just can't.
I just can't.
It seems Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon was here a moment ago to ask the protesters to go home to minimise the potential spread of coronavirus.
As I mentioned yesterday, linking the outbreak of coronavirus to the fact that Shincheonji is a crazy sect is pointless.
It's stupidity and lack of common sense that can lead to the potential spread of the virus.
It's stupidity and lack of common sense that can lead to the potential spread of the virus.
I wonder how many self-righteous religious groups present here, who blame Shincheonji and don't seem to be bothered about the ban on rallies, will decide not to attend church tomorrow.
Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon: "The ban is an essential measure to protect the lives and safety of the people. Stop the rally and go home quickly".
I'm outta here.
yna.co.kr/view/AKR202002…
I'm outta here.
yna.co.kr/view/AKR202002…
