South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Wednesday criticized repeated anti-China rallies as a “self-harming act” and instructed relevant ministries to “respond strictly in accordance with the law and principles,” according to South Korean media.
Kim made the remarks during a morning meeting with ministers responsible for public safety and security at the Government Complex Seoul. The meeting was held to discuss measures to ensure the safety of foreign visitors ahead of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, from the October 31 to the November 1, according to the Chosun Daily.
Kim said that “The government views this event not merely as a diplomatic occasion but as an opportunity to demonstrate South Korea’s restored national dignity. However, at this critical time, some continue to hold hate rallies targeting foreigners. This not only causes anxiety among foreigners but also severely disrupts the operations of domestic small business owners—a self-harming act,” according to the report.
Kim further emphasized, “Discriminatory acts or derogatory remarks against foreigners in daily life or industrial settings also tarnish South Korea’s national dignity and standing. Such behavior must be eradicated.” He urged, “All ministries should respond strictly in accordance with the law and principles to any acts that incite hatred and discrimination toward foreign tourists or harm the operations of small business owners,” per the Chosun Daily.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung previously ordered a crackdown on anti-China rallies in Seoul, saying the demonstrations are tarnishing the nation’s image with their racist hate speech. “We must completely stamp out these self-defeating acts that harm the national interest and tarnish our country’s image. At a time when our country is being recognized as a leading cultural nation, we cannot and should not turn a blind eye to these uncivilized acts that damage our national dignity,” Lee said during a meeting with senior aides, according to the Korea Times.
“No foreign citizen would want to travel or shop in a country where they are subjected to baseless hate speech,” Lee added.
Global Times
