According to Yonhap News, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized anti-Chinese demonstrations that took place in Myeong-dong, Seoul, during a cabinet meeting held at the Cheong Wa Dae on the 9th, calling such gatherings acts of disruption beyond the scope of freedom of speech.
Lee Jae-myung said he had heard about some groups recently holding discriminatory gatherings targeting tourists from specific countries in Myeong-dong, Seoul, intentionally undermining bilateral relations, and asked relevant departments for countermeasures. Kim Ho-jung, Minister of Public Security and Safety, responded that security around diplomatic institutions had been strengthened, and the organizers of the gatherings had been warned. Lee Jae-myung then requested relevant departments to actively consider measures for punishment.
The report stated that since the 21st presidential election in South Korea, some far-right groups have held anti-China demonstrations in areas like Myeong-dong in Seoul, causing conflicts with local businesses.
Previously, on August 12, when Lee Jae-myung chaired a cabinet meeting, he pointed out that similar incidents damage South Korea's national image and emphasized the need to take thorough necessary measures to prevent them from happening again.
"I hope everyone will think about how other countries would view the Republic of Korea when they see such scenes," Lee Jae-myung added, "such behavior is completely inconsistent with South Korea's status as a democratic country that values diversity and inclusiveness."
On August 14, Chinese Ambassador to South Korea Dai Bing posted on social media saying, "I noticed that the South Korean side recently held a cabinet meeting emphasizing the need to take active measures to prevent discrimination and violence against foreigners, including issues related to China-related rallies. I appreciate the attention given by the South Korean high-level officials and the measures they will take."
Embassy Ambassador Dai Bing emphasized that the current international situation is complex and turbulent, and that strengthening friendly cooperation between China and South Korea is in the interest of both sides and also the common expectation of the people of both countries. A few forces are attempting to defame China through political lies, and it is believed that the people of China and South Korea can distinguish right from wrong. He hopes these issues can be resolved as soon as possible and looks forward to better development of Sino-Korean relations.
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