Seoul police up security after rally at US envoy residence

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean police have beefed up security at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Seoul after a group of anti-American students broke into the compound.

They were protesting demands by the Trump administration that South Korea pay more to help cover the costs of keeping U.S. troops in the country.

Officials from three Seoul police stations didn’t immediately say whether they will seek to formally arrest any of the 19 university students who were detained Friday afternoon at the residence of Ambassador Harry Harris.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police agency says the number of officers guarding the residence has been more than tripled to 110.

The U.S. State Department has expressed “strong concern” over the illegal entry and urged South Korea to strengthen its efforts to protect all diplomatic missions.