South Korea: Events Held During the Pandemic Raise Awareness of the Persecution in China

(Minghui.org) Due to the continued spread of the CCP virus (named after the Chinese Communist Party), the South Korean government has extended its social distancing policy and restricted gatherings. As a result, Falun Gong practitioners were unable to hold large scale events to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the persecution that started in China on July 20, 1999. 

Given the situation, practitioners organized local activities that comply with the government restrictions but still allowed the practitioners to promote Falun Gong, mourn practitioners who have lost their lives to the persecution in China, and expose the CCP’s brutality against practitioners. 

Distributing Materials in Seoul

In the capital city of Seoul, the social distancing restriction was raised to its highest level with gathering banned for three or more people at certain times of the day. So instead of holding rallies or marches, practitioners have been distributing materials to residents calling to end the CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong. 

Car Tour in Busan 

Busan is the second-most populous city in the country, and practitioners organized a car tour on July 18. The cars passed by the renowned tourist sites of Haeundae and Gwangalli, as well as the Chinese Consulate. On the sides and roofs of the cars were banners and signs with messages about Falun Gong and the persecution in China, while the music of Pu Du and Ji Shi could be heard coming from the cars’ speakers. 

Practitioners’ car tour in Busan on July 18, 2021

The car tour went by the Chinese Consulate in Busan. 

Many pedestrians were interested, and some took pictures. Some of the drivers gave a thumbs up in support. Police cars escorted the tour and adjusted traffic lights all the way to ensure there were no interruptions. 

When the cars passed APEC Naru Park, one of the most popular places in Busan, nearly 50 practitioners were there doing the exercises together in unison. Practitioners distributed pamphlets and lotus pendants to passing vehicles waiting for traffic lights. “The pandemic has made many people worried,” one practitioner said. “Practicing Falun Gong will improve one’s mind and body and enhance the immune system, so we hope more people can benefit from it.”

Dongbaekseom: Group Exercises and Candlelight Vigil

Dongbaekseom is an island of Busan and one of the top tourist sites in the region. Practitioners went there on the afternoon on July 20 to inform local residents and tourists of the ongoing persecution in China. 

Handing out information to passersby

Group exercises

Because of the CCP virus, the Level 3 social distancing policy was being enforced in Busan, which meant fewer tourists. But practitioners were able to continue the event as planned while following the policies. Despite the heat (35⁰C, 95⁰F), they did the exercises, talked with pedestrians, and distributed pamphlets and pendants. 

Candlelight vigil

At dusk, practitioners spoke at a rally. They recalled the bloody history of the CCP, especially the practitioners who lost their lives in the persecution. Some practitioners listening were moved to tears. 

A husband and wife, both practitioners, said this activity meant a lot to them. “If our hearts are together, I think the day will come soon when the persecution will end,” the wife said. 

Poster Display in Daegu

Located northwest of Busan, Daegu is the third largest metro area as well as one of the hottest places in the country. At Suseongmot Lake, a famous summer resort, Falun Gong practitioners put up posters and banners to inform passersby of the persecution in China. 

Falun Gong posters and banners at Suseongmot Lake

Pedestrians watching videos about Falun Gong and the persecution in China

Many people stopped to read the posters, watch videos on the screen, or talk with practitioners for more information. Some accepted materials and pendants that said “Falun Dafa is good, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is good.” Although practitioners had prepared nearly 500 lotus flower pendants, they were very popular and given out in a short time. 

Falun Gong practitioners do the exercises together in unison.

At 6 p.m., about 100 practitioners dressed in yellow T-shirts demonstrated the exercises. A host explained to passersby that the exercises are easy to learn, free of charge, and very beneficial. 

A candlelight vigil started at 8 p.m. to mourn the practitioners who died due to the suppression. Three speakers explained the importance of the event and called for more help to stop the persecution in China. 

Practitioners in other parts of South Korea also held different activities to expose the CCP’s brutal persecution of Falun Gong. 

Group exercises at Gwangju in southwest South Korea

Passersby read information or talked with practitioners.

Group practice in Gimhae 

People in Taebaek, the highest city in the country, read Minghui Weekly in Korean.

Group exercises in Taebaek