SUWON & SEJONG, Dec. 20 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea’s National Farmers Federation (Jeonnong) is pressing ahead with a tractor-led protest march to Seoul, demanding the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol and addressing agricultural issues, despite a police ban citing potential traffic disruption.
Tensions are rising as the protest coincides with public anger over the recent emergency martial law declaration on December 3.
The farmers, who initiated their demonstration on December 19 at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Sejong City, began their journey from Yeongnam and Honam regions, joining forces in Gongju, South Chungcheong, before heading north.
The convoy, adorned with banners reading “Arrest Yoon Suk Yeol” and “Achieve Farmers’ Constitution,” aims to march through Gwanghwamun and the president’s residence in Hannam-dong on December 21.
Seoul’s police have issued a “restriction notice” against the tractor procession, citing potential severe traffic disruptions. However, Jeonnong criticized the decision as a violation of fundamental rights to assembly and vowed to continue their planned march, starting from Suwon City Hall on the morning of December 21.
The farmers’ demands include the impeachment and arrest of President Yoon for actions linked to the martial law declaration and the disbanding of the ruling People Power Party, which opposed his impeachment.
They also called for the prosecution of Agriculture Minister Song Mi-ryeong for alleged complicity in treason and emphasized the need for robust agricultural policies, including a National Responsibility Farming System and a Basic Farmers Act.
The protest follows Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s veto of the Grain Management Act earlier in the day, further fueling farmers’ outrage. The act, a contentious piece of legislation, aimed to stabilize grain prices and ensure farmers’ livelihoods.
The farmers described the veto as an affront to their rights and livelihoods, intensifying their resolve to escalate their protests.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
