During the rally last Saturday, there were calls by organizers to take the protests to Cheong Wa Dae or to “obliterate” the ruling Grand National Party. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Lee Myung-bak out,” “Down with the dictatorship” or “Oust the regime.” The candlelight vigils had turned into vociferous protests. If demonstrators and police end up clashing violently or if one of the protesters gets into a car accident, the situation may escalate beyond control.

Ordinary people can turn violent and impulsive if they are overcome by the emotional wave of such protests. A majority of the demonstrators arrested by police are said to be ordinary people. It appears that the candlelight vigils are taking on the face of illegal demonstrations as groups with no ties to U.S. beef protests began to take part. In Yeouido on Saturday, members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions who were protesting against the privatization of state-run companies and unionized teachers opposing the educational liberalization swarmed to the candlelight vigil in Cheonggye Square. Police said advance parties on bicycles were leading the route taken by the demonstrators. Images of police firing water cannon at anti-F.T.A. protesters in March last year were posted on the Internet, but changed to appear as if the suppression took place this time against candlelight vigil holders. Someone is deliberately trying to ignite the emotions of protesters.

Politically motivated forces were behind the scenes during candlelight vigils back in 2002 over the deaths of two young girls killed by a U.S. military vehicle. These forces tried to incite anti-American sentiment to achieve their political goals. It seems likely that such forces are now trying to abuse the candlelight vigils against U.S. beef imports. But the majority of the people taking part in the candlelight vigils are probably not out there seeking to deal a blow to the government by hook or by crook.