South Korea’s president has warned that a raft of recent anti-foreign protests in the country must end, describing the acts as “self-destructive and totally useless”.
Lee Jae-myung announced a series of special measures on Thursday to stop “racial hatred” after a number of demonstrations, including some targeting the Chinese Communist Party, were held by far-right groups.
It comes as a new government scheme allowing visa-free entry for Chinese tourists came into force earlier this week, with the policy due to run until June next year.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok had previously directed police to “take strong action” against the increasingly disruptive rallies, which have taken place across several areas in the country’s capital Seoul, local media reported.
In a meeting with senior presidential aides, Mr Lee said: “Who would want to go to a country to sightsee and buy things when the people revile them for no reason?
“We must completely banish self-destructive and totally useless behaviour that damages our national interests and
national image.”
It was hoped the agreement would have economic benefits for South Korean companies from an increase in tourism, with some large retail chains rolling out programmes to target Chinese arrivals.
Police appeal to trace further 18 people linked to disorder at Unite the Kingdom march
Police trying to trace 11 people over disorder at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march
‘Minority’ who attacked police at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally ‘will pay a price’, minister says as up to 150,000 people march in London
Read more:
Hundreds of South Koreans arrive home after US immigration raid
Analysis: Can South Korea’s new leader heal the wounds?
Mr Lee has sought to improve ties with China ahead of an expected visit by President Xi Jinping to South Korea for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju later this month.
Mr Lee was elected as South Korea’s president following a snap election June, six months after former premier Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law and was subsequently impeached.
