Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

May 16, 2008 8:14:21 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

Back to the grid

Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea  

Posted Apr 27, 08 10:30 AM CDT in Sports,  World    Most Covered

(newser) – The Olympic torch again met with a clash of protesters today as it arrived in South Korea, Reuters reports. Some South Koreans are angered by Beijing’s human rights record, but the majority are pro-Chinese, wearing their country’s flag and chanting, “No politics, only Olympics.” Despite 8,000 police officers, the rallies turned briefly violent when Chinese students kicked a South Korean protester and threw stones at anti-China demonstrators.

Two protesters were arrested for dousing themselves in paint thinner, apparently intending to set fire to themselves. Many South Korean demonstrators focused on China’s treatment of North Korean expatriates, who are often sent home to harsh punishment. The torch was to arrive later today in Pyongyang, where protests are illegal; the North has promised an “amazing” reception.

Source Reuters

open commentscomments (0)

Editor Recommended

N. Korean tries to light self on fire
Associated Press | Apr 27, 08

More on the protests
BBC | Apr 27, 08

Related News

  • Torch Embarks on Calmer China Tour

    May 3, 08 3:30 PM CDT
    Torch Embarks on Calmer China Tour The Olympic torch flickered in mainland China today in what will likely be a respite from its troubled worldwide tour. Security measures are in place for the relay, but Chinese citizens aren't in a protesting mood, the AP reports. “Even if no police were here, we would protect the torch with our bodies!” said one 18-year-old selling Chinese flags. More »

  • Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong

    May 2, 08 5:18 AM CDT
    Torch Gets Huge Welcome in Hong Kong Thousands of people waving the Chinese flag cheered the Olympic torch on its relay through Hong Kong, shouting down scattered Tibetan protesters in their midst, the BBC reports. There were a few scuffles as the torch wound its way through the streets in the first leg of the torch relay to take place on Chinese soil. More »

  • Mia Farrow Quizzed at Hong Kong Airport

    May 1, 08 5:01 AM CDT
    Mia Farrow Quizzed at Hong Kong Airport Activist actress Mia Farrow was allowed into Hong Kong today after authorities questioned her and told her not to disrupt tomorrow's Olympic torch relay, AP reports. Farrow is an outspoken critic of China's policy on Darfur and plans a speech tomorrow night on the issue. Several activists have been barred from the former colony in recent days, and Farrow's visit was seen as another test of the city's freedoms. More »

  • Torch Back in China After Tumultuous Tour

    Apr 30, 08 12:00 PM CDT
    Torch Back in China After Tumultuous Tour There were no protests in Hong Kong today as the Olympic torch returned to Chinese soil. But reports were rampant of advocates and would-be protesters being deported or barred from entering the country, the New York Times reports. China says it’s dedicated to allowing peaceful demonstrations, but yesterday deported three pro-Tibetan advocates, and over the weekend denied entry to four more. More »

  • Thousands Cheer Torch in N. Korea

    Apr 28, 08 5:28 AM CDT
    Thousands Cheer Torch in N. Korea Tens of thousands of North Koreans took to the streets to herald the arrival of the Olympic torch today, marking a radically different greeting for the often-harried flame, Reuters reports. People waved North Korean and Chinese flags, danced, cheered, and sang military songs. The welcome contrasted sharply with waves of protests at other global relays that have driven the torch inside vehicles and behind walls of security guards. More »

Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
Chinese students are blocked by police officers as they try to march to anti-Beijing Olympic protesters near the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
One of two North Korean defectors Son Jong Hoon, left, pours gasoline as police officers try to detain them during the Beijing Olympic torch run in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Korea Pool)
Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
South Korea's last bearer of the Beijing Olympic torch relay Yoon Tae-wong holds the torch with Seoul Mayor Oh Sae-hoon after running in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Choi Won-suk, Pool)
Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
Chinese students wait to see South Korea's last bearer of the Beijing Olympic torch relay at Seoul City Hall in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Choi Won-suk, Pool)
Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
A Chinese student, right, and anti-Beijing Olympic protester raise signs after the start of the Olympic torch relay around the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Ahn Young-joon)
Torch Protests Continue in S. Korea
A pro-Tibet protester participates in an anti-Beijing Olympic rally in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, April 27, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
prev   next
play

Threads (1 of 4)

Tags

China  • 2008 Beijing Olympics  • South Korea  • North Korea  • Olympic torch  • Olympic protests  • torch relay


Loading...

Loading...

Related Threads: North Korea, China, 2008 Summer Olympics, South Korea

Next story from this section »

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »