Minister Yoon Ho-jung of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said that hate rallies and demonstrations against specific countries and nationals "are going too far," and on the 10th ordered police to respond proactively.
The ministry said it referred an agenda item titled "Measures for proactive law enforcement by police" to the National Police Commission that day. The National Police Commission is a body established within the Ministry of the Interior and Safety with the enactment of the Police Act in 1991. It deliberates and decides on major policies related to national police affairs and on matters submitted to meetings that the Minister of the Interior and Safety deems important.
The ministry said, "Hate rallies and demonstrations are intensifying, and not only nationals of specific countries but also the broader foreign community are expressing high levels of anxiety," adding, "This was in consideration of the fact that if rallies and demonstrations like those at present continue, they could adversely affect not only the safety of our society but also relations between states."
Since visa-free entry for group tourists from China recently resumed, anti-China and Sinophobic (hatred of China) rallies have followed in various parts of downtown. On the 3rd, which was both the first day of the Chuseok holiday and National Foundation Day, such rallies were also held. In response, the Chinese Embassy in South Korea issued a statement in the name of its Spokesperson, saying, "We sternly request that the Korean side thoroughly ensure the personal safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Korea."
The Minister said, "Police should respond proactively to hate rallies and demonstrations and work to make society safer," adding, "I ask the National Police Commission to thoughtfully consider measures so that police can actively carry out law enforcement. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will also work to take necessary steps together with the police."