Thousands of South Korean protesters gathered in front of the US Embassy in Seoul ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the country on Tuesday. Demonstrators marched with signs, sang songs, and choreographed dances.
The US president is currently touring parts of the Asia Pacific, and was set to visit the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday before heading to Vietnam, China and the Philippines.
“I came here to protest because I’m afraid of a war,” a 37-year-old protester told The Washington Post on Saturday.”And if a war breaks out, we all die.”
A few blocks away from the main protest, a smaller pro-Trump demonstration was taking place.
South Korea is seen as one of the US’ most strategic allies as rhetoric between Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un became increasingly hostile in recent months over North Korea’s missile program.
Thousands gathered in front of US Embassy in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday for a multi-day event called a "No Trump, No War."
Attendees used playful slogans to express their opinions. “I want President Trump to know we do not want a war,” said a 32-year-old activist to The Washington Post on Saturday.
Source: The Washington Post
A recent Pew poll found that South Korean attitudes toward Trump are generally negative, with three-quarters of respondents calling Trump “dangerous."
Source: Pew Research Center
“War brings tragedy,” a 49-year-old protester told The Washington Post on Saturday.
Source: The Washington Post
“We hate Trump,” some of the protesters at the rally sang on Saturday. “We love peace. We love equality.”
Source: The Washington Post
Demonstrators say they hope their messages will inspire a more peaceful future.
“We oppose war! Negotiate peace!” protesters chanted on Sunday.
Source: South China Morning Post
Nearby, a small number of South Koreans rallied in support for Trump. "I'm not very worried about Trump putting South Korea in danger,” a 60-year-old protester told The Washington Post on Saturday.
Source: The Washington Post
Protesters on Monday held signs saying: "We denounced the deployment of an advanced US missile defense system, THAAD."
Police in South Korea were on high alert for other demonstrations during Trump's visit to the country.
Source: The Washington Post