Firebombs Hurled at Police as 15,000 Protest in Seoul : Foes of Chun Regime Shout ‘Democracy’

In a demonstration far smaller than had been predicted, students hurled rocks and firebombs at riot police today as thousands of people shouting “Democracy” marched to protest the government of President Chun Doo Hwan.

About 25,000 riot police in padded green combat fatigues and black-visored helmets were mobilized in Seoul, and street battles flared in at least four parts of the city as police threw tear gas and demonstrators responded with firebombs and rocks.

Throughout the capital of 10 million people, about 15,000 demonstrators turned out--far fewer than the 100,000 who filled streets June 18.

Demonstrations and clashes were reported in at least 32 other cities, with police using tear gas in many areas to break up marches.

Opposition Leader Held

Police seized and briefly held top opposition leader Kim Young Sam and other officials of the Reunification Democratic Party as they tried to march out of their headquarters carrying a large South Korean flag.

Dissident Kim Dae Jung, freed Thursday from 78 days of detention in his home, was placed back under house arrest until Saturday to keep him from taking part in the marches.

The opposition is demanding democratic reforms, including direct presidential elections to replace the electoral college system which guarantees victory for the ruling Democratic Justice Party.

Chun, a former army general, has rejected the call for direct elections.

Kim Young Sam, who met with Chun earlier this week in an unsuccessful bid to head off further protests with a political compromise, was seen being pushed into a police van as he tried to hang on to the vehicle’s door.

Returned Home

He later was returned home by police after being taken on a long drive to Kimpo International Airport outside town.

In Seoul, huge crowds shouting “Down with the military dictatorship” swarmed through the center of the capital waving South Korean flags as onlookers cheered and motorists honked their horns in a massive show of support.

Many people tried to demonstrate peacefully, shouting “No violence!” But police brutally dispersed the crowds, hurling exploding tear-gas grenades. Riot squads trained in martial arts repeatedly charged, punching and kicking.

Christian priests and ministers headed many of the marches and appealed to police not to attack.

“We’re doing this for democracy. We want an end to violence in our country,” said a Presbyterian minister, his face contorted with pain from tear gas.