Seoul Marchers Chant ‘Down With Dictatorship’ : Koreans Take to Streets to Back Popular Election
Thousands of marchers chanting “Down with dictatorship” surged into the streets of Seoul today after a rally backing a petition drive for constitutional changes that would give South Korea a popularly elected president.
It was the largest political demonstration since President Chun Doo Hwan came to power in 1980. Government opponents said as many as 7,000 joined the march. Authorities did not estimate the number involved.
Kim Young Sam, a leading dissident, said in a speech that the opposition wants democracy restored “through national consensus. . . . Otherwise, Chun will be forced into exile or meet a tragic end.”
Uniformed riot police and plainclothes units patrolled the marchers, but there were no reports of violence or clashes.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
