In Seoul, hundreds of South Korean farmers protested against government plans to open the country's agricultural markets by holding a large rally, leading to clashes with police. Armed with sticks and metal rods, the farmers engaged in fights with the police and damaged police buses before dispersing. The police reported that nearly 100 individuals were arrested for attacking officers, and about 20 officers and dozens of farmers were injured. Earlier, at least 50,000 farmers held demonstrations, urging lawmakers not to approve a trade agreement with Chile that would eliminate tariffs on many products. The farmers also protested against the World Trade Organization's efforts to open South Korea's rice market.
Clashes Between Hundreds of South Korean Farmers and Police - 2003-11-19
Hundreds of South Korean farmers clashed with police during a protest against government plans to open agricultural markets. The farmers, numbering at least 50,000, demanded lawmakers reject a trade agreement with Chile that would remove tariffs on agricultural products. This event highlights ongoing tensions regarding agricultural policies and trade agreements.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Hundreds of South Korean farmers protested against government trade policies, clashing with police.
- farmers protest South Korean government
- farmers attack police
- police arrest protesters
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The protests highlight significant domestic discontent with trade policies.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%