SEOUL, Dec. 22 – A farmers’ protest led by the Korean Peasants League (Jeonnong) escalated dramatically this past week, culminating in tense confrontations with police as demonstrators clashed near the presidential residence in Seoul. With about 30 tractors involved and police barricades erected to block their passage, this protest reflected widespread discontent over government agricultural policies, leading to calls for President Yoon Suk-yeol's resignation.
The convoy of tractors, which had traveled from across the country, was halted at Namtaeryeong Pass by police using buses as barricades. This sparked a tense 28-hour standoff, marked by clashes as protesters attempted to remove the barricades, resulting in broken windows and heightened tensions. Supporters, including various social groups and opposition lawmakers, joined the farmers at the site, with citizens rallying to show support overnight. On December 22, following negotiations facilitated by Democratic Party lawmakers, police dismantled the barricades.
By afternoon, some tractors managed to reach the vicinity of the presidential residence located at Hannam-dong, joining additional rallies occurring nearby at Hangangjin Station. While police estimated participation at 3,000, organizers claimed approximately 10,000 people gathered, shouting slogans such as “Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol” and voicing anger at agricultural policies, particularly criticizing the veto of the Grain Management Act.
The protests resulted in significant disruptions, leading to severe traffic congestion across major roads, causing vehicles to be blocked for nearly two days. Police reported two arrests made amid the clashes for obstructing police duties, with several protesters requiring treatment for hypothermia as freezing temperatures persisted.
The response from the Democratic Party condemned the police’s use of barricades, labeling it as excessive force. “The reckless suppression of protests by Yoon Suk-yeol's administration must not be repeated,” stated Kim Seong-hui, the party spokesperson. Criticism also targeted acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, holding him accountable for controversial agricultural policies contributing to discontent among rural communities.
Adding fuel to the fire, public calls for Yoon's arrest intensified after peasant organizations marched toward Seoul, demanding urgent reforms and abolition of policies viewed as detrimental to small-scale producers. On December 21, police erected barricades to block the demonstrators from reaching the president’s residence, provoking substantial outrage. The citizens' response—particularly from urban youth—was remarkable, with many abandoning their daily routines to show solidarity with the farmers.
A farmer shared, “Without the citizens standing with us, the police would have continued to advance.” The sense of community and support was palpable as citizens brought food and supplies to support the protest, recalling historic moments of solidarity reminiscent of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. Volunteers provided essentials such as hot packs and food, fostering unity among protesters enduring freezing conditions.
By December 22, the tractor march resumed with the encouragement of citizens, signaling a significant turning point for the farmers’ struggle for agricultural reform. “We are all different, but we came together in one mind to fight against police repression,” emphasized Shin Woo-ri, daughter of the late Shin Yong-beom, former head of the Jincheon Farmers Association, expressing gratitude to those who stood with the farmers through the struggle.
Upon reaching Hangangjin Station, hundreds of farmers and citizens rallied, rejoicing their victory at breaking through police barricades. Hwon Oh, chairperson of the Korean Peasants League (Jeonnong), expressed his thanks, stating, “Thanks to all of you, the Jeon Bong-jun Struggle Team’s tractors have made it here, near the president’s residence.” Triumphant cheers erupted as activists reiterated their demands for accountability and continued support for the farmers’ plight.
The conclusion of the rally at Hangangjin Station, filled with chants of “Arrest Yoon Suk-yeol!”, highlighted not only the immediate outcome of the protest but also the growing divide between the administration and civil society. Protesters pledged to continue their fight until their objectives were fully realized.
