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Updated August 15th, 2020 at 19:31 IST

South Korea: Thousands of anti-government protesters rally against president Moon

Thousands take to streets in protest against South Korean President Moon Jae-in amid stricter social distancing norms in Seoul due to spike in COVID-19 cases.

Reported by: Sounak Mitra
South Korea
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South Korean authorities have reimposed stricter social distancing norms in Seoul due to spike in new COVID-19 cases, but that did not stop thousands of demonstrators who took to streets protesting against President Moon Jae-in's policies. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reportedly said that the country has witnessed a sudden jump in the coronavirus infections. 

READ: South Korea President Moon Says He Is 'willing To Hold Talks' With Japanese Counterpart

KCDC reports new infections

The KCDC reported 166 new infections on August 14 of which 155 were domestic, prompting authorities to take preventive measures to curb the spread of disease. As per the reports, the tougher rule comes as scores of people staged demonstrations in downtown Seoul defying a ban on rallies. Some groups also protested against President Moon's recent real estate market policy and a series of sex scandals involving leaders of his administration, as per reports. The protesters carries carried placards which read, "Expel Moon Jae-in". 

READ: South Korea Fears Infections Getting Out Of Control

The recent spike in infections are emerging in multiple clusters, including church gatherings and restaurants. The total cases in the country rose to 15,039 with 305 deaths by Friday midnight. Addressing a meeting on Saturday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun reportedly said that the authorities made a decision to  upgrade the social distancing guidelines to Stage 2 for Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province. Chung added that the country is facing a dangerous situation that could lead to resurgence of virus if not controlled immediately. 

New coronavirus cases in South Korea have reached the highest level in five months, and authorities fear infections are getting out of control in the Seoul region, which is home to half the country's 51 million people. Officials reported 166 newly confirmed cases on Saturday, highest since March 11. 
READ: South Korea Doctors On Strike Amid Virus Pandemic

READ: South Korea Installs Smart Bus Shelters With Temperature-checking Doors, UV Lamps

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Published August 15th, 2020 at 19:31 IST

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