Students Keep Up Pressure in South Korea

Thousands of students hurling firebombs and rocks poured into the streets to battle riot police in at least seven cities today, and new clashes were reported around Seoul’s Myongdong Cathedral.

Fighting broke out at universities in Seoul and at least five provincial cities as riot police fired thousands of tear gas rounds and sent in armored cars to try to hold the students back. Protesters rushed to within a few yards of police lines to throw firebombs, rocks and bricks.

“Destroy the dictator!” the students chanted again and again. “Destroy the military dictatorship!”

Scores of people were injured in today’s protests. The government has issued no figures on those hurt in the repeated clashes.

Fierce protests began Wednesday when opposition groups launched a drive aimed at toppling President Chun Doo Hwan and forcing democratic elections.

Clashes broke out around Myongdong Cathedral as police tear-gassed and charged thousands of people demonstrating against the government. The clashes continued even after radical students gave up their five-day occupation of the cathedral compound.