The weekend¡¯s street protests passed peacefully without violent clashes with police. The rally, which began Saturday afternoon and lasted until dawn on Sunday in Seoul Plaza, Euljiro and Jongno, attracted according to the police over 50,000 people, and 500,000 by the organizers¡¯ estimate. This was the largest since June 10, when the police estimate of more than 80,000 people gathered to protest against the import of U.S. beef. Some 300 members of conservative groups rallied in the Cheonggye Plaza on Saturday, urging people to stop the candlelight vigils. There were no clashes between the two groups.
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Protesters hold candles during a candle rally against the South Korean government's policy toward U.S. beef imports in front of the Seoul City Hall in Seoul on Saturday. /AP
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There are cautious predictions that public sentiment will calm down. Numbers were significantly smaller on Sunday, when about 500 people turned up. The Catholic Priests¡¯ Association for Justice released a statement on Sunday, saying Saturday was ¡°a significant day to celebrate the victory of people,¡± so members stopped their hunger strike and returned to their churches. Buddhist groups decided to postpone a ceremony planned for Tuesday. ¡°There was internal discussion that we should wait and see how the government responds,¡± a spokesman said. Groups including the CPAJ, the National Council of Churches in Korea and Lotus World voluntarily removed tents they set up in Seoul Plaza on Sunday.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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