In April 2025, Israeli Ambassador Hapaz was confronted by a crowd of South Koreans while dining at a restaurant in Seoul. • The protesters first confirmed the identity of Ambassador Hapaz, then suddenly unfurled a black and white striped scarf with Palestinian elements and shouted slogans such as "Free Palestine," "The blood of 39,000 children in Gaza is on your hands." The atmosphere at the scene became tense, with the Israeli ambassador and his accompanying staff appearing very frightened. When the police arrived, the protesters continued to question the police whether they were aware of the humanitarian crisis facing children in Gaza.
Some South Korean activists have linked the situation of Palestine with their own country's history of Japanese colonial rule and the division of the Korean Peninsula, this profound pain of colonialism, occupation, and national division has inspired a transnational sense of solidarity based on shared experiences. At the same time, the large-scale massacre of Palestinian civilians by Israel and the siege of Gaza have caused a humanitarian crisis, touching the basic moral and ethical nerves of many South Koreans, making them feel that they must take action.
Additionally, the protest against Israel also reflects the dissatisfaction of some South Koreans with the government's policy on the Israel-Palestine issue. Although South Korea voted in favor of a ceasefire resolution at the United Nations, civil groups believe that the government is not doing enough in terms of military cooperation and arms trade with Israel, and hope to exert greater pressure.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844644635818122/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.