Seoul residents complain of ASEM security

The traffic control and security measures by the police in and around the venue of the Asia-Europe Meeting in the Samsung area of the South River district of Seoul has been likened to martial law and become a source of much discontent for those living and working in the area.

The two-kilometer stretch of the road between Shinchon Station and Samsung Station of subway Line 2 was partially closed and lined with 10 riot-police buses creating a traffic deadlock. Along with 20 other municipal buses lining the bus-only lane, the stretch of road looked more like a parking lot.

An office worker by the name of Kim, 33, expressed anger at having arrived 20 minutes late even after having hailed a taxi to save time.

"If they were a little more thoughtful, they could ease the traffic situation," he said.

The area around the venue for the ASEM has come under heavy traffic control with half the area being filled with police and their vehicles.

"If it is the intention of the police to block unnecessary traffic in the area, why do they need to dispatch so many riot police with shields and clubs as if in a show of force?" a shopper at Hyundai Department Store beside the ASEM venue complained.

In response to the voice of discontent of the citizenry, the police said, "Although we understand their discontent, such measures are necessary because the ASEM is of great importance and we need to eliminate any and all situations that might jeopardize the meeting."

The government has made it known that it would not tolerate any gathering or demonstration opposing or jeopardizing the ASEM. The government insisted that a great number of assassination attempts and bombings have been disguised amid various demonstrations during such meetings.

To meet with the possibility of a demonstration by non-government organizations that oppose globalization, the government has dispatched a great number of riot police to the area of Bong-eun-sah, a Buddhist temple, near the ASEM venue. Bon-eun-sah, a religious establishment where riot police might not directly enforce order, might be a likely place of gathering for those planning demonstrations.

The government has announced that all individuals suspected of gathering for the purpose of demonstrations would be hauled over to the police station. The government explained that the mishap-free conclusion of the ASEM took priority over possible human rights violations.

The government has proposed a mobilization of 16,000 riot police to block all demonstrations. Aside from the riot police, various intelligence agencies such as the army intelligence and the National Intelligence Administration have mobilized more than 5,000 personnel.

"The current mobilization of security personnel is the greatest ever since the establishment of the Korean government," a government source said.

The current temporary regulation banning automobiles on the road in Seoul based on the even and odd numbers of their license plates was requested by the government. A minimum speed of 40 kilometers per hour is necessary to prevent sniper shootings, as the heads of states are transported around Seoul area.

Park Jeong-Hun sunshade@donga.com