(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jun-tae = On Saturday, the 22nd, rallies were held in various parts of downtown Seoul by farmer organizations and conservative and progressive groups.
The Farmers' Path, composed of groups such as the National Federation of Farmers' Associations (NFFA), held a national farmers' conference in the area around Sungnyemun in the Jung District in the afternoon.
Approximately 2,000 participants (unofficial police estimate) called for the easing of quarantine procedures for U.S. agricultural products and the cessation of "rural destruction" due to energy policies centered in the capital region.
Holding pickets that read "Establish fundamental measures for climate disasters" and "Prevent Trump's plunder," they chanted slogans such as "Stop Trump's plunder and abolish the open agricultural policy."
Ha Won-o, chairman of the NFFA, criticized the current government, stating that no administration has ever escaped from the framework of the neoliberal open agricultural policy that destroys agriculture and kills farmers, and that the current government has also "deceived the farmers."
The National Movement Headquarters to Set Korea Right, led by Pastor Jeon Gwang-hoon of the Sarang Jeil Church, held a Gwanghwamun National Conference at the Donghwa Duty-Free Shop in Jongno District and condemned the government.
Jeon, a former pastor under police investigation for his alleged involvement in the Seoul Western District Court riot, claimed on stage that "the Chief Secretary for Civil Affairs at the Blue House (Presidential Office) is in charge."
The 7,000 participants (unofficial police estimate) waved the Taegukgi (national flag), the national flag, and pickets condemning the government.
The progressive group Candlelight Action held the 166th candlelight procession near Seocho Station in Seocho District, calling for the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de and the establishment of a dedicated rebellion court. Around 700 people participated in the rally.
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