Civil Gatherings in Korea CJPM Operations Division

Outline Purpose Background Categories CJPM Functions Report Types Threats Individual Actions Questions Summary Conclusion

Purpose The purpose of this briefing is to inform personnel on temporary duty to Korea about civil gatherings, why they occur, the various types, and actions to take to ensure individual safety and enhance force protection

Civil Gathering Background Civil gatherings in Korea are a popular form of freedom of speech and expression for Korean citizens Civil gatherings occur in response to any type of incident that stirs large-scale interest among citizens, such as new laws, economic agreements with foreign nations, and major political issues or problems Although the overwhelming majority of Koreans favor U.S. presence here in Korea, a small minority is opposed to U.S. military presence and the ROK-U.S. alliance These minority groups host anti-U.S. and anti-USFK civil gatherings throughout Korea, mostly near ROK and U.S. military installations. Peak times for these civil gatherings are during peninsula-wide exercises such as RSOI and UFL

Civil Gathering Types According to ROK Law, there are five categories of civil gatherings: Candlelight Vigil – most passive of all gatherings, usually conducted to subtly express sentiments over an extended period of time Cultural Event – participants express sentiments and views through traditional/cultural songs, dances, and skits Press Conference – used to gain public media attention; most are small in number and primarily for media coverage and awareness Propaganda Activity – generally consists of booths, desks, and participants handing out flyers or brochures. Usually done prior to election-type events Demonstration – this is the standard civil gathering, usually involving participants carrying banners, signs, and chanting slogans

Civil Gathering Basics Of the five categories of civil gatherings only demonstrations must be registered Registration requires a written application to the local area KNP station with the group name, time, location, and purpose, and must be done so 48 hours in advance Registration allows KNP to properly respond with riot control police support as well as traffic control as needed Short notice (usually one to two hours prior) for unregistered events

CJPM Functions The Combined/Joint Provost Marshal (CJPM) is responsible for civil gathering intelligence collection, reporting, and tracking throughout the KTO The CJPM coordinates with host-nation agencies and other CFC/USFK staff sections and agencies to collaborate and report civil gatherings Each civil gathering that is reported is assigned a CJPM number and is closely tracked from beginning to end, with all data stored in a collaborative database The CJPM briefs the CFC/USFK Command Group daily on civil gatherings that are expected to occur throughout the KTO

Civil Gathering Reports The CJPM issues several types of reports to enhance force protection and provide situational awareness for military personnel and civilians. Initial Report – provides 5 W’s and protective response measures for civil gatherings; also includes a proximity map Change Report – updates an initial report with new information or changes to a previously reported civil gathering Closure Report – provides a conclusion to a civil gathering initial report noting any injuries or damage to government property Civil Gathering Roll-Up – provides a 30-day out future timeline of civil gatherings that are expected to occur *Reports are sent electronically to unit and installation AT/FP representatives, operations centers, and key personnel. Information is also aired on command channel and AFN-K.

Civil Gathering Threats The majority of civil gatherings in Korea are not anti-U.S. or USFK; however, even those that are not always have the potential to be violent, and as such, personnel must keep aware The threat of unregistered, surprise demonstrations exists daily as many radical groups tend to act on last-minute agendas and plans Key areas that continually are hotspots for civil gatherings are: Train stations and large subway hubs (Seoul, Daegu, Pusan) Government buildings such as the National Assembly (Youido) CFC/USFK Installation gates Large public parks and busy commercial areas that provide protestors high visibility (Gwanghwamun, Marronier Park)

Individual Actions Ensure you know who your unit or installation AT/FP representative is and obtain civil gathering information from them to plan personal schedules as well as unit schedules to avoid civil gathering locations Keep aware of the AFN-K TV and radio, installation command channels, and the civil gathering hotline (DSN 723-0115, COM 0505-723-0115) as they will broadcast civil gathering information Report civil gatherings to your local Force Protection Officer or Provost Marshal Office if you encounter one in progress Always maintain situational awareness Do not participate, agitate, observe, or take pictures of any civil gathering; leave the area immediately

Summary Civil gatherings in Korea are a popular form of freedom of speech and expression for Korean citizens Not all civil gathering are violent, and the majority are not anti-U.S. There are five categories of civil gatherings according to ROK Law The CJPM is the office of primary responsibility for theater-level civil gathering reporting Avoid key areas that are continual hotspots for civil gatherings Do not participate, agitate, observe, or take pictures of any civil gathering; leave the area immediately

Conclusion Civil gatherings are a fact of life in the Republic of Korea Keeping alert of your surroundings as well as force protection advisories and civil gathering notifications is important for your safety Use common sense and adhere to the buddy system when traveling off-post; have numbers to your local military police station or force protection office available