USFK Force Protection Advisory for Large Civil Gathering (1-2 May 09)
1. USFK is publishing this force protection advisory to provide situational awareness to all DoD personnel regarding planned large civil gathering vicinity the Seoul City Plaza and/or Cheonggue Plaza in Seoul, Korea.
2. From 28 Apr to 2 May 09, the Yongsan POMDAEWI (Pan-National Countermeasure Committee for the Late Middle School Girls Killed by US Military Armored Vehicle) is planning on leading a series of demonstrations at the Seoul City Hall Plaza and/or the Cheonggue Plaza in Seoul in honor of the five protesters and one police officer who were killed in Yongsan over eviction disputes which turned violent on 20 Jan 09. The Yongsan POMDAEWI party claims they want to find out the truth behind the Yongsan accident and punish those responsible. Yongsan POMDAEWI has designated 28 to 30 Apr 09 as the Pan National Week to honor the memories of those killed on 20 Jan 09. From 28 to 30 Apr 09, at 1900 hours daily, the Yongsan POMDAEWI will gather at the Seoul City Hall or the Cheonggue Plaza.
3. On Saturday, 2 May 09, this series of demonstration during the Pan National Week will culminate with a demonstration with an estimated 100,000 people at Seoul City Hall Plaza or the Cheonggue Plaza. The demonstrators are believed to have strong anti-U.S. sentiment, in addition to being in opposition to the ROK government led by President Lee Myong-Bak’s administration. This gathering is assessed to have a high potential for violence.
4. In addition, multiple civic and labor groups are preparing to launch massive rallies, stating they will gather 20,000 to 100,000 demonstrators in front of the Seoul City Hall on Friday, 1 May 09 during the International Labor Day weekend. Although most rallies are aimed at expressing discontent with current government policies, some demonstrations will likely incorporate anti-US themes, to include marking the anniversary of last year’s demonstration denouncing the Korean Government’s decision to resume US beef import.
5. The Korean National Police will enforce a tight control on violent and disruptive demonstrators. This enforcement has a high potential for escalating in violence and will increase risk to USFK personnel.
6. All US personnel are advised to avoid these areas at the times indicated including mass transit facilities which lead to or near these areas. Expect delays due to a security cordon in the area. As always, USFK personnel should also be aware of their surroundings and avoid encounters with event participants in order to prevent media attention and ensure personal safety.
7. Recommend all DoD civilian employees, USFK invited and technical representatives, and all USFK family members adhere to this advisory.
8. To obtain updated information regarding civil gatherings, visit the USFK website at http://www.usfk.mil/usfk/civilgatherings.aspx or contact the USFK PMO at DSN: 738-8070 or CIV: 0505-738-8070.
9. You can obtain further AT/FP information or support from your Component and Base Cluster ATOs, or the USFK J34 AT/FP Staff, 723-3717.
10. Ensure widest dissemination of this advisory for commands, units, and personnel. This Force Protection Advisory should be posted at all Yongsan installation access control points for personnel awareness.