Democratic Labor Party lawmaker Kang Ki-kab said the government “ignored public opinion” when it decided to go ahead with the announcement of new import rules for beef. Demonstrators shouted slogans like, “Nullify the agreement, and withdraw the announcement” and “Withdraw the announcement, it will be judged by the people.”

Led by an anti-Lee Myung-bak group that took to the streets around 8:30 p.m., protesters marched from Euljiro 1-ga and Gwanggyo through Jongno 2-ga and 3-ga, back to Euljiro and on to Jongno 1-ga. They eventually occupied the eight-lane avenue in front of the Gwanghwamun Post Office and attempted to enter Sejongno, which leads to Gwanghwamun. But police barricaded the street with police busses while 105 companies of altogether 9,000 police officers were stationed in the Gwanghwamun area, the largest number since the candlelight vigils started.

People shout slogans during an anti-government rally denouncing U.S. beef imports and President Lee Myung-bak in front of the city hall in Seoul on Thursday. South Korea will start quarantine inspections on U.S. beef, which will lead next week to a full resumption of American beef imports for the first time in more than four years, Seoul's farm ministry said on Thursday. The green banner reads, "Lee Myung-bak out". /REUTERS

Choi Bo-sig from the Chosun Ilbo’s National/Politics News Desk observed the protests during the past five days. Here is his account of the events:

What is noticeable in this rally is that it is not centrally controlled. Even though there may be some groups who are leading the demonstration, they are failing to drive the people into a single direction. Most participants seem to believe misinformation on U.S. beef available online, and came out because of genuine indignation.

When police blocked the crowds from entering the roads on Sunday night, a woman in her 30s with a baby on her back asked officers if they wanted their children to eat U.S. beef. “I came here to protect my child,” she said. Around 1 a.m., five middle school students were debating whether they should go home or stay. “It’s not cowardly to go home now because we’re going to come again tomorrow,” one of the girls told the boys. This emotional innocence seemed impervious to logic.

For them, occupying the roads does not seem so wrong compared to the government’s indifference to people’s legitimate demands. The World Cup experience, of huge crowds going out into the streets and supporting the Korean national football team, also fed into this demonstration. “I love this country because when something happens everyone comes out into the streets,” one protestor said.

In this Monday May 26 file photo, a protester walks in front of an anti-U.S. imported beef banner in Seoul. The Korean reads: "Don't Want to Eat Mad Cow Disease Beef." /AP

A police officer said police are uncomfortable about having to forcefully disperse crowds made up of ordinary citizens -- middle and high school students, salarymen on their way home, women wearing high heels and miniskirts. “There is no channel for dialogue,” an officer complained.

It was impressive to see workers who would have to be up early the next morning take part until late at night. One 31-year-old office worker who gave his name as Kim stayed with the demonstrators until 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Kim, who voted for President Lee Myung-bak, said he knows that there is only a slim chance of being infected with mad cow disease from eating U.S. beef. “But the president did not seek any understanding from the citizens, and didn’t consult public opinion when so many people were concerned and fearful about it,” he said. “ That clearly shows what he thinks of the masses. He believes the people are his employees who should follow the decision made by the CEO of the country. I regret my vote every day,” Kim said. That perhaps sums up what is really in the minds of the people who were swarming through the heart of the capital. The government fatally missed it.

(englishnews@chosun.com )