The Olympic torch has completed its long awaited journey through Seoul amidst outbreaks of Korean protests against the torch and Chinese supporters that showed up to wave Chinese flags in support of the Beijing Olympics:
Activist groups ? including Christian conservatives, human rights advocates and North Korean defectors ? had vowed to disrupt the South Korean leg of the troubled round-the-world relay of the Olympic flame.
They were vowing to use the torch relay as a stage to denounce China’s crackdown on protests in Tibet last month and its repatriation of North Korean defectors.
However, the anti-Chinese protestors were outnumbered at times by Chinese expatriates and students, who seemed just as enthusiastic in displaying their support for the Beijing Games.
A group of about 1,000 Olympic supporters, mostly Chinese nationals, gathered hours before the start of the torch relay at Olympic Park in southern Seoul, chanting slogans such as “Go Beijing!” and holding signs that included “Tibet will always be our land.”
Tension mounted as scuffles broke out between the Chinese nationalists and some 200 human rights activists, who were holding a separate rally, forcing riot police to form a barricade between them.
At one point, a faction of demonstrators began hurling broken sidewalk blocks and rubbish at each other, prompting police to push them back. The clash left a news photographer bloodied after being hit over the head and another Korean activist hurt after being hit by a pipe wrench in the chest.
Concerns over disruptions arose as activists threatened to greet the torch relay with street demonstrations, with one coalition of civic groups even organizing a bicycle brigade of 100 activists scattered at different parts of the route ready to jump into the parade, prompting police to deploy heavy security measures such as escort vehicles. [Korea Times]
These protests are relatively tame by Korean standards and Yonhap has reported that about 6,800 Chinese students and expats turned out to cheer on the torch and outnumbered the anti-China protesters. The Korea Herald estimated the anti-China protesters numbered about 5,000. Considering the fact that China is running a modern day sex slave industry of Korean women in China not to mention their horrible treatment of North Korean refugees, you would think more people would turn out to protest the torch.
I also think it would be an interesting news article if a journalist in Korea went and interviewed some of these Chinese supporters about what they think about the sex slave issue and the treatment of North Korean refugees that are sent back to Kim Jong-il’s thugs to be executed. How many people want to bet that these people have probably never even heard about this issue from their state controlled media?
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11:17 pm on April 27th, 2008 1
I didn’t see one Korean flag at the ceremony and believe me, I looked. I didn’t hear Korean, only Chinese. I saw poster after poster of political message. One of the signs read: {Respect the Olympic spirit, All men-are brothers! Interfere with China’s Internal affairs, Annihilate-in the far distance} I’ve got the pictures if you want them.
12:02 am on April 28th, 2008 2
I pointed this out on the Marmot’s Hole, but doesn’t South Korea have the same policy of repatriation? Wasn’t but a couple of months ago when those 22 refugees were recovered off Incheon and sent back to be executed upon arrival back North. I know mobs around here don’t usually have . . . um, perspective (and you know that as well as anyone since you’ve written up all the anti-US crap), but I’m not sure protesting the treatment of NKean refugees is a intelligent angle to work for South Korea.
9:34 am on April 28th, 2008 3
This is one of the times I wish my ability to learn Korea had not been so horrible. I’d really like to take a look around some of the activist sites in South Korea to see what they are saying —- like at http://www.voiceofpeople.org
9:40 am on April 28th, 2008 4
Brian, the ROK does repatriate defectors if they ask to be repatriated. As a group the 22 defectors said they wanted to be repatriated. This is normal behavior for NK refugees to do. The NIS failed to question them individually. Richardson at DPRK Studies explains why defectors should be questioned individually quite well:
http://www.dprkstudies.org/2008/02/18/more-blood-on-roh-moo-hyuns-hands/
With all the talk about WWII comfort women you would think the modern day sexual slavery of Korean women in China would cause more outrage along with the horrible treatment of NK refugees.
9:53 am on April 28th, 2008 5
Voice of People’s top story was the torch relay protests. It reported on the violence, yet interestingly, it used the term “banbok danche,” or “anti-North Korean groups” to refer to North Korean refugee human rights organizations.
12:38 pm on April 28th, 2008 6
rokdrop, for change i agree with u. it is very shameful that south koreans are forgetting (intentionally) about suffering of north koreans in china. they like to protest against japan for comfort woman and i fully support that. however, where is anger against the chinese governemnt? if south koreans have so much anger against the japanese then perhaps we should transfer our anger to the current day chinese government. one day when “tong il” does happen, south korean will have nothing to say to north korean brothers and sisters.
12:44 pm on April 28th, 2008 7
also i would like to point out that many korean youth have no idea that north koreans are suffering in china. although they dont seem to know about nk suffering, they are an expert when it comes to things that japanese did to koreans during the colonial era. many south koreans doest really seem to care. it is very unfortuate and shameful.
2:29 pm on April 28th, 2008 8
I think China’s status in Korea has gone down a few pegs. A survey of Koreans today may change who Koreans view as a major threat. The China protesters must really look down on Korea to show such a strong protest.
6:44 pm on April 28th, 2008 9
[...] a chance to look at all the videos of the violence that took place on the streets of Seoul as the Olympic torch passed through the city. The first videos I watched were the ones linked to on the Marmot’s Hole that were on the [...]
10:22 pm on April 28th, 2008 10
I’m not surprised at all by the actions of the largely thug-infested group of P.R.C. expatriates and students; I lived in Jinan and down in Guangzhou where racist-minded scumbags seemed to be the societal norm, eh. What gets my B.V.D.s in an uproar is the lack of care by the R.O.K.’s riot policemen towards their own countrymen/women and the so-called foreigners attacked in the hotel and other places situated along the parade route.
Are the R.O.K. netizenry upset about this and will Cheong Wah Dae deport any of these facists?
7:20 pm on April 29th, 2008 11
The Chinese never protest against their own government. They would probably be executed if they did.
10:58 pm on April 29th, 2008 12
“many korean youth have no idea that north koreans are suffering in china”
Willful and deliberate ignorance. But if South Koreans don’t care about their “brothers” why should anybody. I for one don’t care about North Koreans at all.
South Koreans use the North Korean issues to gain international prominence and stature, case in point, every international sporting event Koreans will claim that their hosting will help “unite” the Koreas. Even that nutbar incompetant faux astro-nut Yi So Yawn, said she was going to space for North Korea.
1:57 am on April 30th, 2008 13
shattered,
The way you keep insisting on insulting Korea without fair reason makes wonder if you are not one of those hakers hired by the Chinese government to manipulate and distort information in the internet.
2:12 am on April 30th, 2008 14
dr. yu
shattered is a typical us serviceman stationed in korea. they are bitter that they are stationed in korea. their bitterness often led to hatred towards korea and koreans. that’s why they spend all their time and money on juicy girls and prostitutes to escape. i think many of them would rather be stationed in iraq. in a way i feel bad for them because they are stuck in a country that they do not want to be. rokdrop is a rare breed that actually enjoy korea to some degree.
4:45 am on April 30th, 2008 15
“shattered is a typical us serviceman stationed in korea.”
Thanks!
You are right about one thing Kimuchi, many people live in Korea learn to hate it. Just look at all the English teachers from all over who write about how much they hate Korea (but like the girls) But you don’t have to live in Korea to hate Korea, as many Chinese are proving.
But what makes you think I hate Korea? Is it because I said that Yi So Yawn is a faux astro-nut? Well she is
If you think she is a hero of the republic, and the great Korean who will unite the North and South (like nutty Yi said) then defend her.
6:03 am on April 30th, 2008 16
Shattered, stop drinking ….. remember what Capt. John Miller (Tom Hanks) said to Private Ryan: Live a good life …
Kimchi2000, Thanks. This guy is just pathetic. It is obvious that by the level of his comments his IQ is lower that of my dog. The USA army has just so much tradition and honor …. it deserves a better soldier that this guy.
This is the last time I waste my time with him.
6:09 am on April 30th, 2008 17
shattered,
who is this “yi so yawn”? a fillipino girl who loves u long time and wants u to buy her a drink? u r once again proving my point that many esl teachers and us servicemen need to stop getting emotional when they are discussing about korea related issues.
6:23 am on April 30th, 2008 18
Easy Kimchi2ooo … don´t you remember? this guy’s IQ is lower than of my dog (a maltese BTW). Don’t make so complicated questions. He still ahs to recover from last night drinking (with his filipino lover “yi so yawn” from Manila, hahaha !!!).
6:50 am on April 30th, 2008 19
dr. yu, i have to disagree with u. im sure he is smarter than ur dog. he is either an us seriveman or an esl teacher. dont u need some sort of intelligence to be either one of that? i heard that the us military lowered their stardard and hagwon hire any white pople but still… nevermind, i think ur dog is smarter
10:03 am on April 30th, 2008 20
Dr. Yu and Kimchi,
By far the best Corean commentators are those who convince foreigners with flattery and deceit.
Oral diarrhea is less effective and usually assists in devaluation of your input.
In other words, thy cup overfloweth.
10:15 am on April 30th, 2008 21
mark,
im sure many corean women and juicy girls flatter and deceit folks like u every single day. one or 2 internet comments shouldnt hurt ur ego too much.
10:31 am on April 30th, 2008 22
Perhaps, although none so flattering as your mom, whom I shall never forget.
10:34 am on April 30th, 2008 23
haha here comes mama joke! i dont expect any less from american gi stationed in korea
10:49 am on April 30th, 2008 24
Thanks, and I’d expect nothing less from a gyopo or yuhaksaeng, as long as you’re unarmed.
11:01 am on April 30th, 2008 25
same here as long as u r not driving
11:02 am on April 30th, 2008 26
The defense rests.
11:35 am on April 30th, 2008 27
damn u mark! another clean and decisivevictory for american gi!
4:31 pm on April 30th, 2008 28
kimchi2000,
I think its very funny how you catagorize the US service members here to to protect and serve the same as your typical salary man in korea. They are the ones that seem to spend most of their (company money) on the talanju-jums and room salons. Correct me if I’m wrong prostitutes and alcohol. My point is don’t catagorize forigners here and assume that they are Service members. Another thing to consider is that if the Korean media and judicial system was actually fair towars ALL people (korean and others)then maybe people would actually enjoy their stay here. Service memembers, teachers, and even tourists.
By the way no I am not a service member and I like Korea hate the driving. (thats another topic for another time.)
10:55 pm on April 30th, 2008 29
Mark,
My comments only meant to Shattered, not all american people living in Korea.
Look at his comments, that’s where the oral diarrhea is.
1:20 am on May 1st, 2008 30
caprok,
u r right. all the us servicemen are pure, innocent virgins. i shouldnt dare to categorize them as typical hooker loving korean salaryman. we all know honorable us serivcemen would never pay korean or fillipino women to have some good time with happy ending. no wonder neighborhood around the us army base is perhaps the most hooker free place in korea.
2:00 am on May 1st, 2008 31
Speaking of oral diarrhea, I see that you are back Kimuchi2000.
It saddens me to read his bitter hatred towards Americans and those that would shed their blood to defend “his people”. What is even more sad is that kimuchi is a Kyopo living in American, who is sucking the teat of American generosity. While spitting on those who donate to his welfare.
I have heard that Robert Kim is a hero to Kyopos and Koreans alike because he betrayed American. Now, after reading the likes of Kimuchi200 and that other follish American hating Korean, I am starting to belive it.
2:30 am on May 1st, 2008 32
shattered,
who are “my people”
i consider myself an american. i know only white-europeans can only be consider “american” to a racist prick like u. i am tired of white-european telling me how im not “american”. i am proud of being an american and i know it kills u inside that even asian-american can be as “american” as european-american. shattered, please take of ur kkk mask and see the diversity in america.
6:03 am on May 1st, 2008 33
“no wonder neighborhood around the us army base is perhaps the most hooker free place in korea.”
Even though kimchi2000 doesn’t mean but statement is actually true since the USFK prostitution crackdown a few years ago.
10:01 am on May 1st, 2008 34
Mark, Caprok,
It is funny how you guys over reacted when Kimchi2000 referred to all Americans in Korea as soldiers or ESL teachers.
It is obvious that what displeased you the most, was that according you Kimchi generalized about the Americans in Korea.
Well, if you look closely at the comments Shattered has been posting in this blog, that´s nothing but stupid and racist general assumptions on Koreans, yet nobody, especially you, had any type of over reaction against him.
When Americans makes racist assumptions against Koreans that´s ok, that´s what Americans call “freedom of speech”, but when Koreans do assumptions on Americans that´s “oral diarrhea”, regardless of how precisely that reflects the reality of Americans in Korea.
Obviously, since Koreans are minority in this blog the rules of democracy do not apply to them, because it is the democracy of the majority that rules here.
11:21 am on May 1st, 2008 35
Mr Yu,,, I believe we all just need to stop generalizing every one Korean and AMerican. that was my point. But from my experience here is that when ever a foriegner (mostly GI’s) do something terrible (and yes it is terrible regardless of their nationality or citizenship) it is on every news paper and every news channel for weeks. Then when the same terrible incident is commited by a Korean then its just a blip in the news and occasionally it might be there for 2 or 3 days. So all I was saying is lets be unbiased to all not just to the Koreans.
11:59 am on May 1st, 2008 36
“shattered, please take of ur kkk mask ”
??? KKK, LOL WTF are you talking about?
“Well, if you look closely at the comments Shattered has been posting in this blog, that´s nothing but stupid and racist general assumptions on Koreans, yet nobody, especially you, had any type of over reaction against him”
So far you have called me a Chinese agent, a prostiture buying GI, and numerous other insutlts meant as racist attacks. Yet, you have not given one example of a so called racist comment I have made.
In the USA there is a story about “the boy who cried wolf” you should read it and understand it. It is a “morality story”. I don’t think Korean culture has moralty stories, so you may not understand it right away.
You are just making ad hominem attacks on me, and not discussing the issues or my opinion (backed by indisputable facts). You have done this with numerous other people, so you have little credit on this blog. And your boy-toy kimuchi200, does little to support your charges as he is a clear racist. I suggest having a cup of STFU, and a bowl of dog soup. You eat dogs, right? Or would you deny that?
10:44 pm on May 2nd, 2008 37
Caprok,
You are right. We should stop generalizing. That´s not constructive.
Regarding biased news on foreigners in korean media, you guys (foreigners) are paying the price of being minority here. That happens everywhere, even in this blog.
10:45 pm on May 2nd, 2008 38
Shattered,
Just live a good life …
2:11 am on May 3rd, 2008 39
shattered,
i smell “working class white from the south or the midwest who never traveled abroad” from u. u must have recieved massive amount of cultural shock when the army sent u to korea. i think they should have sent u to iraq.
dr. yu,
please avoide shattered from now on. he is gi who got played by juicy girl one to many times. i wouldnt be suprise if he robbed innocent korean taxi driver and got away with it, just like his fellow gi friends.
6:01 am on May 3rd, 2008 40
Kimchi2000,
I would have to lower my IQ in order to be able to communicate with him, but that’s a trick I haven’t learned yet.
You are right; I’ll keep talking with my dog instead. It’s more constructive.
No offense Shattered please … it’s that, it’s just impossible to have a normal level conversation with you.
6:50 am on May 3rd, 2008 41
[...] it looks like no charges will be brought against any Chinese students who rioted in the streets of Seoul during the Olympic torch relay: A Seoul court decided on Friday to drop an arrest warrant for a [...]
6:50 am on May 3rd, 2008 42
[...] it looks like no charges will be brought against any Chinese students who rioted in the streets of Seoul during the Olympic torch relay: A Seoul court decided on Friday to drop an arrest warrant for a [...]
9:28 am on May 3rd, 2008 43