SOUTH KOREA EVENTS: 2008 CHINESE TORCH RALLY RIOT

1970s View of Osan AB (USAF Photo)

SOUTH KOREA DOMESTIC EVENTS: CHINESE TORCH RALLY RIOT

Olympic Torch Relay Marred by Scuffles (Apr 2008) Dozens of human rights supporters staged a rally on 26 Apr in Seoul on the eve of the South Korean leg of the Olympic torch relay, vowing to use the occasion to raise the issue of China's alleged repatriation of North Korean defectors. The torch, lit in Mar 2008 in Greece, had faced a slew of protests around the world as activists demanded China stop its crackdown on the pro-independence movement in Tibet.

What was noticable was that there was an absence of Koreans lining the streets. The bottomline was that this event was Chinese orchestrated. It had very little to do with Korea -- except that the torch relay runners were Korean. Li Binghua, vice executive president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games (BOG), handed over the torch kindled with the sacred Olympic flame from ancient Olympia of Greece to Rah Jin-Koo,deputy mayor of Seoul. Kim Jong-Kil, chairman of South Korea's Olympic Committee, received the torch from Rah, kicking off the torch relay as the first runner at 2:18 pm local time (0518 GMT). Starting by the South Korean Olympic chief, 70 plus runners, selected from distinguished representatives from various circles of life including Lee Sei-Kee, chief of the China-South Korea Friendship Association, Heo Nam-Soo, mayor of Pusan city, actresses Chang Nara, Kim Mi-Jung, movie director Kim Jong-Seok, and Olympic gold medalists Moon Dae-Sung, Ahn Hyun-Soo, Nam Eun-Young and Kim Soo-Nyung, ran along the 22-kilometer (15-mile) route that covers Seoul's most famous landmarks and historical sites and concludes at the City Hall Plaza. (Source: CRI English News.) Because of the political upheaval over the Tibet uprising, some of the selected torch bearers turned down the honor because of their stance on Tibet. Intended torchbearers Choi Seung-kook and Park Won-sun boycotted the event to protest against the Chinese government's crackdown in Tibet. (Source: International Herald Tribune.)

Thus it remained a Chinese event sponsored by Samsung, Coca-Cola and Levonoco, in support of the Summer Olympics 2008 that just happened to have some Korean bit players as torch bearers. However, the event was complicated with two forces faced off against each other -- (1) the activists who vowed to disrupt the event at all costs and (2) the Chinese students and residents who saw it as their "sacred duty" to protect the torch after the repeated attacks in other countries. The activists centered their attention on gaining media attention for their cause -- while the Chinese were emboldened by nationalistic fervor and ruled by mob psychology. The purpose of all the Chinese students at Olympic Park was to silence the activists dissent.

North Korean defectors vowed on 26 Apr to disrupt the South Korean leg of the Olympic torch relay in protest of China's repatriation of refugees to the North where they could face execution. Han Chang Kwon, head of a coalition of groups representing North Korean defectors in South Korea, told The Associated Press that the protest at the Seoul relay on 27 Apr could become violent. He did not elaborate -- but it was apparent that there were plans afoot to stir up trouble. Han said the defectors in South Korea were "boiling with anger" because some who escaped to China from the North had been repatriated, adding that he hoped the protest would give North Korean leader Kim Jong Il "a stroke." "While trying to improve its image with the Olympics, it (China) keeps sending defectors to the North knowing they will be executed or sent to political prisons," Han said. (Source: Associated Press.)

The Chinese Embassy had provided flags, t-shirts and stickers for the event -- and had encouraged a large turnout of supporters for the relay. A crowd of Chinese students and residents turned out in the Seoul Plaza area to support China in the Torch Relay. Some were dressed in their national costumes -- definitely not model of the violent trouble-makers portrayed by the ROK media. To the majority of the Chinese who turned out, it was a festive event to celebrate something special in their homeland. Many had children -- some with Chinese flags wrapped around them. However, there was groups of Chinese organized with Chinese flags and flags supporting the Olympics that ominously formed up in formations.

The Olympic flame arrived in Seoul at Inchon International Airport on 27 Apr with all the fanfare of a celebrity arriving. The sides of the passageway was lined with Chinese supporters with Chinese flags giving the arrival a festive feel. (Source: SBS Report:YouTube.)

It started off as a festive day. No one was really anticipating that this would turn into a violent event -- though the police were on a high alert for any of the protestors that might try to interrupt the relay. (SITE NOTE: This is why we feel that the ROK is completely off-base in condemning 6,500 "Chinese students" because there were many "Chinese residents" (hwagyo) in that crowd -- many more than they are willing to admit to. They were not there to confront the activists, but rather to have a good time at a Chinese-orchestrated event. It is a fact that some got out of hand, but we maintain that the majority of those in attendance we there simply to voice their support for China.)

What we have here is a perfect media circus. The Torch Relay adds pomp and drama to a festive occasion. Anything to upset the festive mood lends to a sensational event. Enter the "villans" -- the super-sized Chinese nation who are the bullies. Enter the "protagonists" -- the puny Tibetans and North Korean refugees who the Chinese are picking on. Immediately, we have a mix that evokes sympathetic feelings for the oppressed minorities. Let the Korean government allow the protestors to make outrageous claims that they will stop the torch "at all costs." Let the Chinese government call on all its students to "celebrate the Torch Relay" -- but that is only a thinly veiled request to make it a "Sacred Duty" for all Chinese to protect the torch "at all costs." With the Korean government fully aware that there is a powerful mix going on here, allow the two factions to be placed opposite sides of the street -- and just wait for the fireworks to go off. All the ingredients for a media circus were in place in Olympic Park. Media wanted a sensational event -- and they created in the clash of the radicals. The assorted violent incidents lasted a very short time and were minor if compared to recent Korean confrontations. However, the media made a mountain out of a molehill -- but that's their business. Sensationalism sells newspapers and magazines. But along the line, the media circus also stirred up an international incident -- where a Prime Minister called for the punishment of Chinese students setting off a chain-reaction from the Chinese calling for boycotts and reciprocal actions. The media loved it!!!


(L) Chinese in national costume for torch rally ) (R) Chinese with "I love China" sign (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace)


(L) Child at rally (R) Child at Rally (27 Apr 2008) (bj2008olympics.com)


(L) Chinese at Relay (R) Chinese girls at Relay (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)


Coca-Cola Float that preceded the relay runners (SITE NOTE: Coca-Cola was one of the three official sponsors of the Torch Relay-- along with Lenovo and Samsung.) (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)

Onlookers shouted "China, China, China" and sang Chinese national songs. About an hour before the relay started, a photographer took pictures of a pro-Tibet demonstrator being chased into the Seoul Plaza Hotel by several hundred Chinese. (SITE NOTE: They turned out to be two American foreign exchange students supporting the Free Tibet movement.)

The Olympic torch relay got underway on 27 Apr in Seoul, marked by an overwhelming presence of young Chinese supporters and a handful of attempts by anti-Beijing protesters to stop the event. More than 10,000 students from around South Korea gathered at the Peace Square of Olympic Park, witnessing the launching ceremony with hundreds of red flags waving in site. The torch, which arrived from Japan early in the day, was first carried by Kim Jung-kil, South Korea's top sporting official, from Seoul's landmark Olympic Park amid tight security provided by thousands of police officers and helicopters that hovered over it. He was the first of 80 runners in the 24-kilometer journey from the Square and started at about 2 p.m. local time. (SITE NOTE: Soon afterwards Kim Jung-kil resigned as he was one of the appointees of the Roh administration -- and Lee Myeong-bak has pushed for most of them to be replaced.)

Because of the trouble experienced in other world capitals, the Chinese provided a contingent of "guards" -- though some referred to them as "thugs" -- to protect the torch. They were identified by being dressed in blue. During the high-profile points of the relay, they disappeared. The Korean police provided an escort of yellow in the vanguard of the relay and to the side of the torch bearer. Next were the lines of light blue Korean police. To the rear were motorcycle policemen. Along the edge of the road were police providing crowd control and Korean police on bikes and motorcycles.

Thousands of Chinese, mostly young students, first cheered the torchbearers, singing, chanting and waving posters that said ``We love China'' and ``Go, China.'' But the cheering took on a completely different tone when they met anti-China activists and demonstrators who denounced China's oppression of Tibet and its repatriation of North Korean defectors.


Torch Relay (27 Apr 2008) (bj2008olympics.com)


(L) Awaiting the torch (Yonhap News) (R) Torch arrives (Yonhap News)



(top) Torch passes by (Yonhap News) (bottom) Torch Passes (Huanqiu.com)

The Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, southwestern Seoul was where the Olympics were held 20 years earlier. It was swarming with over 6,500 Chinese students and residents in Korea on Sunday afternoon holding or wrapping their bodies in Chinese flags. Many carried banners declaring, "We love China", "We will let real China known to the world", and "Tibet belongs to China forever." Before the Korean leg of the Olympic torch relay that had brought them together, some 180 activists were protesting against China's repatriation of North Korean refugees and forceful repression in Tibet, shouting "No Human Rights, No Olympic Games!" They were separated by the street where the relay would pass. The first torch-bearer left the Olympic Park surrounded by dozens of police officers on foot or on bicycles and hundreds more in buses and trailed by a water cannon, ambulances and helicopters circling overhead.

After the torch left Olympic Park, the Police took down the crowd control cordon that kept the street clear and the Chinese surged across the street. Hundreds of pro-Chinese demonstrators charged toward a flatbed truck holding about 30 people protesting China's actions in Tibet and its repatriation of North Korean refugees -- along with other supporters not on the stage. Many of the Chinese who had gathered at the park surged toward about 150 protesters, mostly old South Koreans and North Korean defectors, who were shouting, "No human rights, no Olympics," from across a boulevard. The activists were soon confronted by more than 1,000 China supporters who were led by a man with a megaphone shouting, "Jiayou Zhongguo! (Way to go, China!)", their voices completely drowned out. Some pro-Chinese demonstrators threw paper cups and rocks at the activists. They were held back by South Korean riot police, but bottles began flying through the air and some onlookers fell down during the melee. There were no reports of serious injuries resulting from the incident as of Sunday evening. (Source: Chosun Ilbo and Stars and Stripes.)

Armed with plastic shields, about 2,500 police scuffled with the Chinese. The police tried to separate the two groups when the Chinese started hurling objects. Though both sides hurled objects at each other, the Chinese by far had the largest barrage.


VIDEO: Torch Relay: Require Active X


VIDEO: Torch Relay and Chinese Demonstration w/ North Korean Refugee activist denouncing objects hurled; Require Active X

The police deployed only 9,300 policemen because they thought it would be controlled. In viewing the video, the police were not in their normal riot gear indicating they were not expecting violence. They also admitted that they were concentrating on protecting the torch -- and not focusing on the demonstrators. One policeman received six stitches for a head wound. When the demonstration got rowdy, the police hastily got their shields, but still were not in riot gear. The police state they will prosecute those Chinese arrested -- who at this time is only one.

Korean police acknowledged they had not anticipated such big, wild crowds for the event, according to Eo Choeng-soo, commissioner general of the National Police Agency. "We were told by the Chinese ambassador that the Chinese crowd would be about 1,000 to 1,200," Eo said in a press conference yesterday. "But there were far more Chinese students at the scene, and the police focused more on monitoring those who might try to interrupt the torch relay than watching the students." (Source: Joongang Ilbo.)

At least one Chinese student was hauled away by the police for throwing a rock. In Seoul, several Chinese students, speaking in Korean, said in interviews that they were angered by attempts to politicize the Olympics and that they gathered to "show our defense" of the Games. (Source: WN.com.)


(Upper L) Chinese rally toward torch (Upper R) N.Korean activist disrupt relay (Lower L) Stickers and flags (Lower R) Anti-CNN mask because of derogatory remarks by CNN (27 Apr 2008) (bj2008olympics.com.)

45-year old North Korean defector, Son Jong Hoon, claimed that he had tried to save his brother from being returned to North Korea, but the Chinese returned him and he was executed. He tried to set himself on fire on 27 Apr as a protest against China's alleged crackdown on North Korean defectors, a witness said, as the Olympic torch relay proceeded in Seoul. The protester poured what seemed to be a flammable liquid over his body near the torch bearer, but was immediately stopped by police. He and his accomplice were arrested.


Son Jong-hoon attempts to immolate himself. He held a razor-knife to hold the police at bay, but his lighter failed to ignite the flammable liquid. His accomplice is hauled away by the scruff of the neck. (27 Apr 2008)

Even though 68 relay runners ran 22 km from the Olympic Park to City Hall, not many citizens were able to witness the relay because of police guards and some 6,500 Chinese supporters. A police officer said more than 9,300 police were mobilized to ensure the smooth running of the event, but there was no need as so many Chinese people came out to protect the relay. "Who could possibly stop the Olympic flame when there are so many people out to protect it?" the officer said.

Only a few anti-China demonstrators were present as the torch made its way through Seoul. But thousands of Chinese demonstrators — mostly university students studying in South Korea — waved Chinese flags, tied them around their necks, wore flag T-shirts and stickers, and held signs in English that said "The Olympics must go on" and "Tibet as a part of China since 1362."


Chinese students from Daegu University watch relay. One has "Tibet Belongs to China" written on his t-shirt.

According to China View, "Under tight security, the Olympic torch relay went through Seoul, the host of the 1988 Summer Olympics, and witnessed warmed welcome by hundreds of thousands local people and Chinese students with red flags." However, from the pics of spectators, there were very few Koreans present. According to LA Times, "Thousands of Chinese followed the torch on its 4.5 hour journey, some chanting, "Go China, go Olympics!"" Though the ROK government will not admit it, but there were relatively few Korean citizens in attendance -- atleast when compared to the Korean activists and Chinese demonstrators at event. All one has to do is study the photos of the event to realize that besides the Chinese with their banners along the torch relay route, there were only smatterings of protestors and curiousity-seeking foreigners along the streets. Many of the Korean citizens avoided the event because they had heard about the activists warnings to disrupt the event at all costs and did not want to get involved. Some people on blogs responded that the Seoul streets were totally empty except for the protestors, police and security, newsmen -- and of course the foreigners who didn't know any better. Many Korean parents kept.their kids at home and off the streets. One blogger commented it was like a " practice air raid siren thing" that empties the streets. (SITE NOTE: It was our impression that there were more newsmen present than there were Koreans. In fact, there even seemed to be more foreigners present than there were Koreans. We may be exaggerating a little, but not by much. The controversy caused by famous Koreans turning down the offer to be torch bearers stirred up feelings that this event was one that Koreans should NOT to attend. To most Koreans, this was a Chinese sponsored event financed by Samsung, Lenovo and Coca-Cola. It had nothing to do with Korea -- except that it was an event leading up to the Olympics where the Koreans hoped to bring home the gold.)

When the torch was passing Sincheon Station in Songpa-gu at about 3 p.m., however, a North Korean defector was arrested after jumping into the relay route to snatch away the torch. He said he was protesting against China's forceful repatriation of North Korean refugees. "Many people died because they were sent back, and I tried to show my protest by putting out the torch," he said. Police arrested three Koreans and one Chinese student for interfering with the torch relay.


Chinese Bell in Seoul Plaza

At City Hall where the relay ended, pockets of mostly student protesters scuffled with Korean riot police. By the end of the relay, Chinese students became violent, and it was reported in Korean media that they were "lynching" everyone who was disagreeing with them. (Source: EMPAS News.) One police man was also rushed to hospital after being attacked by Chinese students. (Source: Chosun Ilbo.)


VIDEO: Seoul Plaza: Require Active X

Chinese students studying here seemed well organized in their efforts to guard the Olympic torch. Messages calling for concerted action began to appear in an online club of Chinese students in Korea two weeks prior to the Torch Relay. A 22-year-old Chinese student who said he studies at Korea University of Technology and Education said 30,000 Beijing Olympic T-shirts and 30,000 Chinese flags were sent to the demonstrators from China the day before the relay.

Kim Seong-yong (71) from Seoul, who witnessed the event, said he had “never seen so many Chinese flags waving in central Seoul, not even during the Korean War.” As the students scuffled with South Korean anti-Beijing demonstrators along the streets in parts of Seoul, they were seen throwing rocks, chunks of wood, water bottles and drinks cans at the crowd. During the process, a journalist and a police officer were hit on the head with a weapon carried and thrown by pro-Chinese supporters. Four people, including a Chinese student hurling a stone at protesters, were arrested for disrupting the relay, police said.


Chinese students with their flags (27 Apr 2008)

After it passed through Seoul, the torch went north. The torch was to be flown late Sunday to communist North Korea, which has arranged a major protest-free welcome. The Olympic torch's first-ever relay in North Korea was marked by enthusiasm Monday, media reports said, despite anti-Chinese protesters having marred the event elsewhere in the world. The torch travelled a 20-km route through the North Korean capital where about 400,000 citizens lined in the city's main streets, waving paper flowers and small flags, according to Chinese news reports. After North Korea, the torch was headed for Vietnam and then Hong Kong and Macao.


Torch Relay Greeted in Pyongyang (27 Apr 2008) (bj2008olympics.com.)

Incidents: 27 Apr 2008

• Park Tae-hoon: Bicycle Incident Park Tae-hoon was at first said to be a Free Tibet activist on 1 May, but then said to be a NK human rights protester on 4 May. Interestingly, he was reported to NOT be affiliated with any human rights organization according to the Epoch Times on 5 May. In the Photo 0 below, Park appears to be wearing the same type of sign vest worn on the chest as other North Korean refugee demonstrators on 27 Apr 2008 leading credence that he was a NK human rights protestor. The sign vest read (on front and back) "Hanguk opnunnada -- Olympic keche chakyok opta" (No (North Korea) Human Rights, No Olympics). A second-hand witness account (from the Korean side) stated that Park entered the area and started shouting NK human rights slogans -- and was immediately set upon by the Chinese.
  
  

  (SITE NOTE: We do not have much information on the identity of Park Tae-hoon. One possibility is that he is a long-time leftist activist with involvement dating back over 20 years. SEE Tae-hoon Park and Bayefsky.com for possible connection to a 1998 action to Human Rights Commission on behalf of Park Tae-hoon convicted on 22 December 1989 by the Seoul Criminal District Court found guilty of violation of National Security Law. Park's conviction was allegedly based on his membership and participation in the activities of the Young Koreans United (YKU), during his study at the University of Illinois in Chicago, USA, in the period 1983 to 1989. The YKU is an American organization, composed of young Koreans, and has as its aim to discuss issues of peace and unification between North and South Korea. Tae-Hoon Park, a Korean citizen, born on 3 November 63 claimed to be a victim of a violation by the Republic of Korea of article 18, paragraph 1, 19, paragraphs 1 and 2, and 26 of the Covenant. Also Amnesty International 1999: Action to reform NSL.)

  Supposedly, Park Tae-hoon was "beaten and kicked by Chinese students for nearly a half hour simply because he was holding a flyer for a human rights organization" according to the Epoch Times. This is NOT a satisfactory explanation as Park was wearing a NK Refugee vest.
  
  All we can deduce is that Park Tae-hoon got into some sort of confrontation with the Chinese very near to the Peace Gate, built for the 1998 Seoul Summer Olympics. Though the Epoch Times claimed it was because Park was holding a flyer from "a human rights organization," how it escalated to a chase, being knocked down and flying kicks to the back remains unexplained. We find it hard to believe that he was attacked for simply holding a flyer, though on second-hand account stated he intentionally started the commotion by shouting slogans in the midst of the Chinese. In truth, we have no idea what started it. The first photo (Photo 0) shows him fleeing with a sign half-ripped from his body. Though the placard cannot be read, it is of the same type as worn by North Korean refugee demonstrators on 27 Apr 2008 in their demonstration. (NOTE: A second-hand report stated he "wore banners saying 'Free Tibet'," but this may have been understandable as the placard was all in Hangul and the fact that the Chinese consider both the Free Tibet and North Korean refugee group as the same -- one big anti-Chinese group.)
  
  It is unknown whether Park Tae-hoon unintentionally or intentionally mixed in with the group of Chinese, but from a second-hand report, Park Tae-hoon started shouting slogans which in turn instigated the disturbance. The action would seem to indicate that the action was intentional. The Chinese appeared to have tried to remove the placard affixed to his chest. The exact events of what happened before Park raised the bicycle over his head in a threatening manner (photo 1) is unclear. It was at this point that a second-hand report states that a Chinese stepped in to block the attacks and told Park Tae-hoon to leave the area as quickly as possible (Photo 1a).
  
  It is alleged that he hit a Chinese in the head (photo 10), but we have doubts that it happened because the time sequence does not jibe as the Chinese photo is taken in another area -- and not where the initial incident happened. The Chinese use this as the excuse for the reason they chased down Park Tae-hoon.
  
  There are serious questions raised if Park Tae-hoon instigated the violence. If proven true that Park Tae-hoon intentionally entered the area and instigated a confrontation, he changes from an "innocent bystander" into an "instigator." The serious question raised then is -- Did the newspaper men in the area (and subsequent media coverage) INTENTIONALLY coverup his actions in the Korean press? If they did -- whether as a result of poor journalism reporting or by deliberate withholding of key facts -- the press could be condemned for deliberately manipulating the facts of the event to mislead the public and create an international incident. The photos of this incident were published internationally in articles condemning this incident so the scope of the journalistic failure is much larger than if it was simply a local event.
  
  Others who have come across the photo have also raised the same doubts that he might not be totally blameless in the fray. Tim Johnson of McClatchy blog: China Rises wrote of 1 May 2008 : "But several readers quickly pointed out that the photo appeared to be misleading. Click here to see a photo of the “kicked” guy holding up a bicycle over his head. (We don’t have rights to reprint the photo here.) It appears to be a threatening gesture. Was he threatening to toss the bicycle at Chinese counter-protesters? I don’t know. Some Chinese websites suggest he brought on the violence himself. Again, I don’t know. But the added perspective certainly tempers the inclination to “believe” what one’s eyes might indicate initially was an unprovoked attack."
  
  

  (SITE NOTE: However, the question we ask is why would anyone, surrounded by partisan Chinese, even try to raise his bike in a threatening manner? Lots of guts, but no brains -- or simply no brains. If one is surrounded by potential assailants and you're all alone, the NORMAL reaction is to flee — NOT raise your bicycle over your head in a threatening manner to fight off the hoards with your trusty bicycle. Such an act will only inflame your potential assailants — and you end up in the hospital. It is NOT a smart move. To us, there is something missing from this story.
  
  At one extreme end, Park Tae-hoon innocently blundered into the group of Chinese wearing his North Korean refugee placard on his chest. He was immediately surrounded by the Chinese and set upon. In self-defense, he raised the bicycle above his head to keep the crowd at bay.
  
  At the other extreme end, Park Tae-hoon consciously entered the area to confront the Chinese. If so, he is not a normal demonstrator -- but a fanatic willing to face imminent injury for the sake of his cause. Such a person has an axe to grind and is very capable of viewing everyone as adversaries to his cause. He would be considered mentally unstable by some -- and capable of attacking others. The bicycle attack would have been deliberate striking out once set upon by the Chinese "enemy."
  
  Though the pictures of the flying kick was widely publicized in Korea and internationally (i.e., BBC), what was NOT shown in the Korean media and internationally was Park Tae-hoon raising his portable bike over his head in a threatening manner -- though he may have done this to protect himself. This was captured on two photos and was released by the Chinese side. What happened to prompt this action remains a mystery. He was supposedly set upon because he had a flyer from a "human rights organization," How that caused him to raise his bike in a threatening manner is still unexplained. Park in his interviews has only explained from the portion where he had fallen.
  
  One explanation was offered by Lynn Raebsamen-Lee at The Korea Challenge blog (posted 27 Apr 2008). It states the (1) Park Tae-hoon was a Free Tibet advocate -- not an innocent bystander. We believe he was a North Korean refugee activist. (2) He provoked the incident with the bicycle. We need corroboration to verify the statements, but it would explain the actions of the Chinese in attacking Park.
  
  She stated, "Let me come back to the picture above of an alleged passenger in Seoul being attacked by a Chinese protester. It happens that one of my friends who attended the torch relay in Seoul saw that same passenger just minutes before the photo was taken. The passenger wore banners saying “Free Tibet” and deliberately mixed among Chinese students to provoke them. The passenger grabbed a bicycle and swung it around him to attack the Chinese students. My friend took a picture of that scene, which was published in a Chinese newspaper. As a response, some Chinese students tried to attack the bicycle swinger, but my friend jumped in between, shouting at the Chinese students to stop and urged the man to leave as fast as he could. Minutes later, the picture of the man being attacked by a martial arts Chinese protester was taken - and of course only that was published by the western media." (Source: The Korea Challenge blog.) We wrote in her blog, The Korea Challenge, a request for further clarification if possible of the events. What she states contradicts the NoCutNews.com statement that he was an innocent bystander with a flyer that caused the Chinese to react. She also states that he deliberately swung the bicycle -- not in self-defense -- to provoke the Chinese.
  
  If this story by the friend of Ms. Lee should prove true, it would change the entire story from being a perceived "victim" to that of an "instigator" who deliberately taunted the Chinese students. If it is so, there is a very great possibility that the ROK media would have known about this all along as there were reporters there on the scene. If so, they are guilty of attempting to create an international incident by intentionally withholding (or suppressing) the facts.
  
  As to the ROK media not showing these photos in their reports, it makes the assault on Park Tae-hoon appear to be without any provocation on his part. In addition, the ROK media has not provided any explanation as to what brought about the assault. Though the Chinese side produced the photo of his "threatening pose," there still is no proof that he committed any violence. The Chinese allege, he hit a Chinese student on the head with his bike. However, the sequence of photos we have found does not substantiate their claims. All we are saying is that Park Tae-hoon's assault is FACT. The Chinese allegation is unsubstantiated.)

  The Chinese allege that Park Tae-hoon hit a Chinese on the head with his bike. We have doubts over this. The prime reason is that no assault charges have been filed by the Chinese person against Park Tae-hoon -- even though this has undergone international press coverage. From the sequence of photos, the injury photo is taken in a DIFFERENT location from where Park raised the bicycle threateningly over his head. It is however taken in the same location where Park was fleeing for his life. Though the photo of the injured Chinese is in the same general area of the incident, it is not PROOF that an assault occurred from Park. If it was done in the scuffle -- where he lost his glasses -- to make good his escape, then it was self-defense -- not an assault. Regardless, there is no proof presented to prove there was an assault committed by Park Tae-hoon. Though we don't know what caused the Chinese to start chasing Park, it is a fact that they did. In Photos 1, and 1a he raises his bicycle threateningly over his head. He is near the Peace Gate. He was knocked to the ground (Photo 2). The Chinese surrounded him and assaulted him, stuffing Chinese flags into his jacket. He fled (Photo 2a) and was in a different location (Photo 2b) when he was stopped again by the Chinese (Photo 3 and 3a). It is assumed there was a scuffle after Photo 3a in which Park lost his glasses. Then he tried to flee and one Chinese tried to hit him (photo 4). The Chinese man tried to restrain him by pulling on his coat and another wearing a black hat delivered a flying kick to his back. (photos 5-7) Park fell to the ground and a Chinese in red hat/red shoes straddles him (photo 8). The police then hustle him off to one of the buses for aid. (photo 9).
  
  Later Park Tae-hoon was filmed by a TV news crew where he reenacted the incident. However, the question as to what really started the incident was never fully answered.
  
  
  Photo 0: Attempting to flee scene after being attacked by Chinese after he allegedly instigated a confrontation. Though the writing on the chest placard cannot be read, it is of the same type as worn by the North Korean refugee activists on 27 Apr 2008 -- NOT the Free Tibet activists. The placard read "Hanguk opnunnada -- Olympic keche chakyok opta" (No (North Korea) Human Rights, No Olympics). (SEE North Korean Refugee demonstration photos in this section.) This also dispels the idea that he was an innocent bystander. The placard was displayed on the chest with straps over the shoulder and tied at the waist. It is shown partially ripped away. There is something else stuffed into his jacket, but it is unknown. His appearance would indicate that battery had been committed upon his person at this point. Though a second-hand report claims he intentionally entered the area to instigate trouble, there is no corroboration. It is still unknown whether he innocently blundered into the area by mistake or intentionally entered the area to provoke a confrontation. (27 Apr 2008) (NOTE: Through the small opening one can see the apartment buildings so he is facing in the same direction as Photo 1 and 1a.) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  Photo 1: Park Tae-hoon raising portable bicycle in threatening manner. (NOTE: He is very close to the base of the small "Peace Gate" structure with fabric wings. To the right is a brown building.) (27 Apr 2008) (SITE NOTE: There is another photo of Park amidst a group of Chinese on a video at Youtube where he is standing with his left hand in his pocket with a group of Chinese supporters in the background.) (China Myspace)
  
  
  Photo 1a: Another view of bicycle raised in threatening manner. The man in Photo 1 left is in the bottom center of Photo 1a. (NOTE: He is very close to the base of the small "Peace Gate" structure with fabric wings. To the right is a brown building.) (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  Photo 2: There appears to have been a scuffle and Park Tae-hoon lies on ground with portable bicycle. Notice the sidewalk bricks match the sidewalk in Photo 1. The man in red hat and a red wristwatch reappears in Photo 5, 6 where he is wearing red shoes. The tattoos on his arm make people think this is a "Chinese resident." He will chase Park throughout this sequence. Supposedly someone interceded and told Park to flee the area. (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace)
  
  
  Photo 2b: Park Tae-hoon riding away as if fleeing the scene. The crowd seems to be following Park as if trying to surround him. All eyes are turned in his direction. He is fleeing away from the area where the bicycle swinging incident occurred. On the sides there are no buildings and the winged structure is to his rear. The sidewalk is the same irregular pattern where he raised the bicycle over his head. Notice man with red hat, red watch and red shoes (with a tattoo on left arm) "flipping the bird" to Park Tae-hoon is the same man from in Photo 2. He will reappear in many of the subsequent photos. The sidewalk is the same brownish color and pattern of where he raised the bicycle over his head. (The Epoch Times)
  
  
  Photo 3: Park Tae-hoon stopped by a Chinese as another blocks his escape. The man to the far right and the man stopping Park reappear in Photo 3a. A reporter in the green vest is attempting to get out of the way. The sidewalk is the same brownish color of where he raised the bicycle over his head, but notice that it is a different pattern from the first location. (The Epoch Times) )
  
  
  Photo 3a: "South Korean citizen Po Taihun (transliteration) was beaten and kicked by Chinese students for about half an hour just because he was holding a flyer given by a human rights organization. The Chinese students try to block reporters from taking pictures." The individual in the rear right appears to be the same man who delivered the flying kick to the back of Park Tae-hoon. He is wearing the same black hat, white t-shirt worn over a long-sleeved gray shirt. Notice that he is carrying a flag in his right hand at the time -- indicating that this was at the beginning of this sequence. In the background, a red hat is seen just over the arm of the person on the right. We believe this is the same person that also appears in Photos 2, 5, 8 and 9. At this point, Park Tae-hoon appears to be in control of his bike. Students appear to be blocking Park from fleeing, though the caption stated that they were blocking the reporters from seeing. We assume that Park next broke free and attempted to flee. The sidewalk is the same brownish color of where he raised the bicycle over his head, but notice that it is a different pattern from the first location. (The Epoch Times)
  
  
  Photo 3b Park Tae-hoon is WITHOUT glasses. He appears to be dragging his bike away to get away from group. Notice that his hand position on the bike frame is the same as that in Photo 3a. The individual with the black hat from Photo 3a is chasing him still holding his flag. The sidewalk is the same brownish color of where he raised the bicycle over his head, but notice that it is a different pattern from the first location. (27 Apr 2008) (Sanshou.net)
  
  
  Photo 4: Park Tae-hoon running away and chased by man in white T-shirt who appears to be trying to hit him. Notice that Park is NOT wearing glasses and it is assumed that they were lost as he escaped from the Chinese trying to block him. It appears that Park was heading towards the Police line to his right to seek safety. The sidewalk indicates that this is a different area from the photo prior to Photo 3a. (27 Apr 2008) (Sanshou.net)
  
  
  Photo 5: Attacker kicking Park Tae-hoon (in brown coat) while Park being restrained by man in white t-shirt. Hooded blue figure rushing up from behind. Because of his black fatigue pants and the black shoulder bag many of the "plainclothes" officers were wearing, it is assumed he is part of the riot police. However, another source said that he was a Chinese student leader. (27 Apr 2008) (NOTE: Attacker leg bent at start of kick. In the background is the man with the red hat and red wristwatch. This photo was supposedly widely circulated by Korean media and BBC.) (Channel News Asia)
  
  
  Photo 6: One Chinese trying to restrain attackee by pulling on coat, while the other delivers flying kick. Figure with hooded blue shirt and a shoulder bag rushing up from behind. Because of his black fatigue pants of the type worn by the riot police, it is assumed he is part of the riot police. However, another source said that he was a Chinese student leader. (SITE NOTE: Leg about fully extended so this is same as Photo 5 but from a different angle.) (27 Apr 2008) (Sanshou.net)
  
  
  Photo 6a: Chinese students attack a South Korean man who was protesting against China's human rights after the start of the Olympic torch relay at Seoul Olympic park on April 27, 2008 in Seoul, South Korea. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) (SITE NOTE: This is about the same time as Photo 6, but from a different angle. Also shows figure with hooded blue shirt.)
  
  
  Photo 7: Attacker delivers flying kick. Figure with hooded blue shirt and a shoulder bag rushing up from behind. Because of his black fatigue pants of the type worn by the riot police, it is assumed he is part of the riot police. However, another source said that he was a Chinese student leader. (27 Apr 2008) (Sanshou.net) (SITE NOTE: Attackee back turned to camera. Man in red shoes in background next to someone with a ladder -- most likely a newsman -- will appear in photo 7. Leg of attacker fully extended thus at end of kick.)
  
  
  Photo 8: Man in red shoes straddling over fallen attackee with person who kicked him hidden in rear. Figure with hooded blue shirt and a shoulder bag rushing up from behind. Because of his black fatigue pants of the type worn by the riot police, it is assumed he is part of the riot police. However, another source said that he was a Chinese student leader. Police in police line have turned finally recognizing something amiss to there rear. Other police appear to be approaching the assailants. (27 Apr 2008) (China Digital Times) (SITE NOTE: Because the man with the red hat appears in so many of these photos, it is assumed that he was part of the group chasing Park Tae-hoon. The tatoos on left arm appear like a dark shirt in photo. Photo distorted with faces stretched and the man's figure extremely thin as though the shot was taken with a fish-eye lens. The officer whose shoulder is seen may be farther away from the action than it appears.)
  
  
  Photo 9: Park Tae-hoon, removed from area by police (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace) (SITE NOTE: Man looks dazed and in shock. Person in upper right corner may be individual with blue hooded shirt.)
  
  
  Photo 9a: Attacked person, Park Tae-hoon, helped by police (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace) (SITE NOTE: Man looks dazed and in shock.)
  
  
  Photo 10: Chinese allegedly hurt by the bicycle attack from Park Tae-hoon (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace) (SITE NOTE: Video at Youtube claims that this person was hurt by Park Tae-hoon using the bicycle as a weapon. It further contends that the man in the white T-shirt in photo 5 is a friend of his who was chasing Park Tae-hoon down. The video claims the green sign in the upper left of photo 10 is the same as in photo 4 , 6, 6a (top center) conclusively prove the pictures were all taken at the same location. We agree, but it does NOT prove that the injury was done by Park Tae-hoon. Looking at the sequence of photos, the photos where Park Tae-hoon raised his bicycle over his head was in a DIFFERENT location as the later photos where he was fleeing for his life. This photo of the injury was taken at the location of the second part of the incident -- not in the first location where he was swinging the bicycle. There is no proof that Park Tae-hoon did the injury. It only proves that the injured man was in the same area as the Park Tae-hoon incident.)
  
  

  (SITE NOTE: We wish to thank Sonagi (a pseudonym), a regular contributor to Marmot's Hole, for providing starting links that provided illumination to the subject. She pointed out that photos were out of sequence and provided links to sites with photos of the incident. These were Chinese myspace.com and Sanshou.net. We have tried to assemble photos from different sources to try to get a picture of what actually happened, but we are still uncertain of the sequence of events.

• Free Tibet Attack at Seoul Plaza Hotel About an hour before the relay had passed an incident was reported to have occurred between a Free Tibet activist and from reports between 100-400 Chinese students at the Seoul Plaza Hotel near the Seoul City Hall where the relay was scheduled to end. (SITE NOTE: The numbers are not known for certain though we believe it was closer to 100. The clips show some 100 Chinese crowding in on several Koreans protesting against China's repression in Tibet in the lobby of the Seoul Plaza Hotel in the heart of the capital, beating them with flagpoles and fists, and kicking them. (Source: Chosun Ilbo.) A photographer took pictures of a pro-Tibet demonstrator being chased into the Seoul Plaza Hotel by several hundred Chinese. (Source: Chosun Ilbo and Stars and Stripes.)
  
  
  VIDEO: Require Active X. Attack in Seoul Plaza Hotel
  
  Initial reports were very sketchy. Some of the initial facts were wrong. For example, it was reported that "three members of civil rights groups who had protested against China's handling of the Tibet issue in front of the Deoksu Palace on Sunday afternoon." In fact, it was two American foreign exchange students who made flags to show their support of the Free Tibet movement -- but were not part of the organized group. In addition, another erroneous report was shown in a YouTube video of "Newsdesk" in hangul, Chinese surrounded "several Tibetans and South Korean supporters" who unfurled pro-Tibet banners, and kicked and punched them according to witnesses said. Even the Japanese news picked up on this mistaken story of Tibetans being attacked in the hotel and broadcast it on their news. (Source: Chosun Ilbo.)
  
  The YouTube video of incident shows the two foreign exchange students trying to escape into the hotel after being chased by between 100-400 China supporters. The video incident in the hotel lasted about 1:30 minutes, but the foreign exchange students stated it lasted fifteen minutes.
  
  Supposedly the Chinese believed the activists had torn up a Chinese flag, though the activists denied any such thing happened. It should be noted that the Korean activists are famed for flag-burnings -- especially American, Japanese and Chinese -- so the students would be tend to believe such rumors easily. As it turns out, the two were American foreign exchange students and claimed to be simply holding Tibet flags when attacked. Whether one believes the Chinese excuse or not is irrelevant. A heinous mob attack did in fact take place on two unarmed individuals.
  
  When the Free Tibet supporters were chased into the hotel lobby, they were trapped and pinned against the wall where they were repeatedly hit by demonstrators. In the hands of the man with the gray hat can be seen a small Tibet flag sign that he was holding. (SITE NOTE: One guest at the hotel stated that they were holding a Tibet flag AND a Taiwan flag.) The pro-Tibet activists can be seen to be trying to block the blows with their arms. The activists were surrounded and pinned against a wall. In the video, one Chinese student is seen swinging what appears to be rolled-up newspaper at a Tibet activist. In the video one could see that one of the activists was struck with the pole of a flag. The Chinese students kept shouting, "Beat him to death!" and "Apologize!"
  
  Also can be seen what appears to be a Chinese student attempting to protect the foreign exchange students. It also appears that some of the Chinese demonstrators were trying to intervene to protect the Free Tibet activists. Those who have listened closely to the video claim that there are Chinese voices telling the protestors to stop. However, they are drowned out by the mob. One commentor stated, "Right when the clip starts you can hear one rational voice: 'don't hit people' Then as the pack starts hitting people and the 'love China' voices roar you hear a: 'sorry'" (Source: Comments: China Media blog.)
  
  According to the videos of the incident, the Chinese carried small Chinese flags and larger Chinese flags on poles. The prevailing opinion amongst the Chinese is that Tibet has been part of China for 700 years or longer and the rebellion was timed to coincide with the Olympics to embarrass China. Most of those who entered the hotel lobby were not draped in the Chinese flags as their Chinese counterparts at the Olympic Peace Park were in their attack on the North Korean refugee demonstration. (Source: YouTube video of incident.)
  
  The police entered the fray and attempt to calm the crowd with hand gestures to be quiet, but the Chinese shouts drown them out. Riot police were sandwiched in the middle, and some of them were also beaten. One policeman was injured in this fray requiring six stitches to close the wound to his scalp.
  
  As the police pushed the Chinese out the door, the two Free Tibet supporters (American foreign exchange students) -- one in a long-sleeved white shirt and another in a gray hat -- were shown in the center being protected from the Chinese.
  
  The ROK media news reports were incorrect about the nationality of the two activists in the video shown. In fact, the two activists were American foreign exchange students in Seoul -- Michael, in the long-sleeved white shirt and Ben, who was in the gray hat. They produced a YouTube video in response to the UP report on the incident. Michael displayed his blood spotted white shirt and Ben wore the same gray hat. They claimed that they were not seriously injured. They explained that they had seen that the Chinese in Seoul forcing the Tibetan activists off the street denying them their rights of self-expression and decided to become actively involved. (SITE NOTE: They are referring to the 24 Apr confrontation in front of Deoksu Palace between Free Tibet activists and flag-drapped Chinese students.) They said they made two Tibetan flags and posted themselves on the street -- not speaking or actively protesting as a peaceful demonstration. However, they were mobbed by Chinese and forced to flee into the Seoul Plaza hotel lobby. They were subsequently "surrounded and heavily beaten for about fifteen minutes," said Ben. They thanked the police and the few Chinese people who helped them escape. Ben credited them with saving their lives. They stated that they were not anti-Chinese and asked those posting comments on the bbs to not make the incident into a race-baiting issue. (Source: YouTube video.)
  
  The Korean TV news in reporting this event also showed footage of a reporter bleeding from the head after being hit by a piece of wood thrown by the Chinese. He is identified by the green vest the reporters and cameramen wore. However, this clip was from the North Korean refugee demonstration where objects were thrown. No objects were reported thrown in the hotel incident.
  
  On 30 Apr, the police reportedly sent a team of investigators to the southeastern province of South Gyeongsang to arrest a Chinese student suspected of hurting a policeman during a clash in a hotel lobby (Seoul Plaza Hotel) at the end of the relay. (Source: TheAge.com.) Nothing more has been heard of this manhunt for the suspect. (SITE NOTE: We wonder what would happen if the police investigators found the "Chinese resident" was actually the descendant of one of the ethnic Chinese who Syngman Rhee (Yi Syng-man) allowed to reside in South Korea instead of being repatriated back to China -- but not allowing them to have ROK citizenship for all these years. What if he were holding a Chinese passport one that he had to exchange for a PRC one when he had to turn in their ROC one because the ROK changed sides and he didn't want to leave his HOME in Korea where he grew up and attended Korean schools. There would be ... silence. Shhhh...)
  
  Discover Vancouver forum had a comment: "We had beijing olympic torch relay, in seoul korea, on sunday. I was around city hall, streets been packed with so many chinese. They were chanting 'go go china' at every corner with waving their red flags. Chinese crowd did violence to school girls advocating 'Free Tibet' near city hall. This happened a few minutes after I left there. Peaceful pro-tibet (and anti-china) protesters, include several koreans, taiwanese, an amerian and a canadian, were injured by chinese crowd this day. a few police and a journalist too. Further, a convenience store was robbed by them. I feel scared of and angry with chinese people living in seoul, for the first time of my life."
  
  
  Scenes of a small Free Tibet mock Torch Relay. This was NOT along the route of the Torch Relay. (27 Apr 2008) (Flikr: Buddha Baby)
  
  
  Scenes of a small Free Tibet mock Torch Relay. This was NOT along the route of the Torch Relay. (27 Apr 2008) (Flikr: Buddha Baby)
  
  
• Supposed Chinese Attack on Americans Protesting Tibet One video clip supposedly showed four American high school students wearing "Free Tibet" T-shirts surrounded by 300 Chinese people. They were later rescued by the police. (Source: Chosun Ilbo.) We have not been able to locate this clip. This may be a mistaken report and actually be the incident at the Seoul Plaza Hotel involving two American foreign exchange students. Photos in Chinese media and videos purporting to show the area of the attack was of when the relay passed by an area and the crowd attempted to surge into the streets -- causing the riot police to react to control the crowd. (SITE NOTE: We have not been able to locate other information at this time on this incident. We have seen photos taken on 27 Apr 2008 of caucasians (nationality unk) with Free Tibet slogans and some wearing Free Tibet t-shirts, but none were being molested or confronted. There was a major demonstration on 24 Apr at the gates of Deoksu Palace, but we have not heard of any organized protest at the Torch Relay though supporters of the Free Tibet cause were there along the streets and a short mock relay was held near the center of the city.)
  
  There were other photos of isolated confrontations with the Free Tibet groups:
  
  
  Confrontation between Chinese and a man initially said to be Australian, but later identified as a Canadian. In a Free Tibet t-shirt, he was protesting the Tibet uprising. Besides the Chinese finger-pointing -- very close to his face -- there was no violence reported. (27 Apr 2008) (Yonhap News)
  
  
  Continuation of the shouting and finger-pointing. (27 Apr 2008) (Yonhap News)
  
  
• Chinese Attack on Free Tibet Activists at Deoksu Palace There was a violent confrontation between the Free Tibet activists and Chinese students near the entrance of Deoksu Palace. It is unknown if any injuries occurred requiring medical attention, but the photos of the confrontation showed the students pummeling the activists.
  
  
  Violent confrontation between Chinese and Free Tibet activists. The photo is thought to be near the gates of Deoksu Palace where a violent confrontation between a small group of Free Tibet activists and Chinese occurred. (27 Apr 2008) (Newsis)
  
  
  A disturbing photo of Chinese students attacking a Free Tibet activist. A man on the right is kicking the woman on the left. The photo is thought to be near the gates of Deoksu Palace. (27 Apr 2008) (Newsis)
  
  
• Moon Gook-han: Attacked by Chinese There were plans by the North Korean refugee demonstrators to stage stunts to draw attention to their plight. At the start of the relay, a protester rushed toward the Olympic flame and tried to unfurl a banner calling for China to respect the rights of North Korean refugees. Dozens of police surrounding the torch quickly whisked him away. As the torch approached the city center, another North Korean defector also tried to impede the run and was arrested. We believe this incident was part of the overall plan to have individuals creating incidents through out the area and route of the relay to get media attention.
  
  A person identified as Moon Gook-han was assaulted by Chinese students as he chanted slogans. He is an official of the NGO group, International Coalition to Save the North Korean Slaves. He became widely known to the media for organizing North Korean defections at foreign consulates in China. Mr. Moon spent many years and dedicated much of his life to helping refugees. He currently resides in Incheon, where he continues to publish small booklets about North Korea and coordinates continued work to share his story and the stories of those who escaped. (SITE NOTE: Moon Gook-han was initially identified by Dan Bielefeld on his photo, but later the name was removed. Photos of this individual during this incident have been been widely circulated on both Chinese and ROK media.)
  
  When Dan Bielefeld took a photo of him, he commented that he was either very crazy or very brave to be standing alone amidst the group of Chinese. His photo caption stated, "A North Korean Human Rights protester, alone and surrounded by very energetic Chinese students, bravely or insanely chanting slogans on behalf of NK refugees. (he is on the right, just to right of sign)" However, notice in the shot taken by Dan Bielefeld, the presence of so many photographers surrounding Moon Gook-han, but in the photo below that was in the media, there is not a photographer to be seen. They were cropped out. The only conclusion is that Moon Gook-han was staging this singleton protest for the benefit of the media cameras.
  
  Moon Gook-han appeared to be publicizing the North Korea Freedom Week 2008 held in Washington, D.C. running from 26 Apr - 3 May 2008. The North Korea Freedom Week is an annual event started in 2004 and organized by the North Korean Freedom Coalition. Yahoo News stated, "North Korea Freedom Week 2008 will begin this Saturday (26 Apr 2008) with a week devoted to promoting freedom and human rights for the people of North Korea and to focus the world's attention on their suffering. The first event will be an International Protest at the Chinese Embassy on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 12:00 pm-1:30pm (2300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC) against China's brutal repatriation of North Korean refugees. Demonstrations against Chinas policy will occur in 6 U.S. cities and around the world including South Korea and Japan as the Olympic torch passes through those nations." (SITE NOTE: Open Doors USA considers the Free Tibet movement and North Korean Refugee situation as a unified movement against the Chinese. Free Tibet is a campaign started in 1987, it generates active support to end China’s occupation of Tibet and for the Tibetan’s fundamental human rights to be respected. Open Doors USA feels that both Free Tibet and Open Doors shares a common adversary in the Chinese government.)
  
  In Photo 3, the portions of the sign state "2004" (when the North Korea Freedom Week started) and "Washington, D.C. (where the event is held annually). This was a sign that was being held up in Photo 1. Notice that Moon Gook-han is NOT wearing the sign vest that all of the North Korean refugee supporters were wearing which seems to indicate that he is from an "affiliate group" that join with the other group in support of the North Korean refugee situation.
  
  
  Photo 1: Moon Gook-han (right next to sign) surrounded by Chinese students chants slogans defiantly. (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  Photo 2: Moon Gook-han with his sign still intact on his body. Top of sign reads "Death and Desparation." The vertical wording advertises the North Korea Freedom Week in Washington, D.C. The center of the sign depicted skulls and denunciation of North Korea. Notice the student with a bullhorn to outshout him. (27 Apr 2008) (Epoch Times)
  
  
  Photo 3: Anti-North Korean protestor, Moon Gook-han, surrounded by Chinese. His sign is being torn away. The sign is NOT standard North Korean refugee sign worn by others. Instead this appears to be a promotional sign to advertise the North Korean Freedom Week that was to be held in Washington the next week. (27 Apr 2008) (NoCutNews.com)
  
  There is another photo of him circulating with a group of North Korean Refugee activists, but we do not know if it was before or after this incident. Another photo of him at this incident showed him with his banner still on, but confronted by a student with a megaphone. No injuries were reported to Moon Gook-han in this confrontation.
  
  
• North Korean Refugee Demonstration Attack (Apr 2008) North Korean defectors vowed on 26 Apr to disrupt the South Korean leg of the Olympic torch relay in protest of China's repatriation of refugees to the North where they could face execution. Han Chang Kwon, head of a coalition of groups representing North Korean defectors in South Korea, told The Associated Press that the protest at the Seoul relay on 27 Apr could become violent. He did not elaborate -- but it was apparent that there were plans afoot to stir up trouble. Han said the defectors in South Korea were "boiling with anger" because some who escaped to China from the North had been repatriated, adding that he hoped the protest would give North Korean leader Kim Jong Il "a stroke." "While trying to improve its image with the Olympics, it (China) keeps sending defectors to the North knowing they will be executed or sent to political prisons," Han said. (Source: Associated Press.) In the evening of 26 Apr, the group put on a skit with the major leaders in front of the Olympic Peace Gate and denounced the Chinese on KBS news. (Source: KBS.)
  
  A small group of protestors of China's forced repatriation of North Korean refugees was held in the Olympic Park in Songpa-gu. From newspaper estimates the group was rather small -- totalling around 150-180 persons. The following photos are from the website of Dan Bielefeld which documented the North Korean Refugee Demonstration from start to end. Initially, the group arrived as set up the stage and posters. Initially, Rev. Tim Peters of the Helping Hands Foundation stated:
  
  

  Upon putting up the Let My People Go banner, within about 1 minute I was surrounded by about 200 furious Chinese students, all waving PRC flags. By God’s grace, there were about 50 Seoul police between Choi Young hoon and myself and the Chinese students. Some activists were hurt, so please pray for their recovery.

  The stage was actually the back end of a long white flatbed truck with an extension onto the sidewalk. The "rear" of the stage (facing the street) held a large banner as a backdrop. It abutted the road and would be the scene of the confrontation between the group and the Chinese students.
  
  First Tim Peters of Helping Hands gave a speech to the small group assembled to support the North Korean refugee demonstration. The group was actually a coalition of activist groups supporting the cause, including a bicycle group that formed a crowd-control line with their bikes in front of the stage. A statement was read by Abraham Lee, Director of Public Relations, Crossing Borders -- and behind him was 5 people lined up with a man in a Chinese guard uniform holding a toy rifle in the center flanked by two black-hooded individuals representing the North Korean refugees. Colored hula hoops were tied together to form an Olympic symbol and in front of it was a banner that read, "Free North Korean Refugees in China." The statement was then followed by a speech by Dr. Norbert Vollertsen, famed North Korean human rights activist. Once done, the demonstration waved their banners and shouted their slogans as per the script for the demonstration. Once done, the group attempted to move their demonstration to another location, but were blocked by the police and confined to their area -- ACROSS THE STREET from the Chinese demonstrators.
  
  
  (L) Activists with Signs in front of Tom N Toms Co. (R) Activists with Signs (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  (L) Bicycle group that supports cause; The sign vests read (on front and back) "Hanguk opnunnada -- Olympic keche chakyok opta" (No (North Korea) Human Rights, No Olympics). (R) Activists with Signs (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  Bird's eye view of the stage area during the speeches. The Chinese photographer was situated on the rooftop of the multi-story building directly behind the activists. (SITE NOTE: Notice how the stage is built out into the street. The street side of the stage will receive the attention of the Chinese as the activists remain on stage and shout their slogans at the infuriated Chinese crowd.) (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  (L) Tim Peters of Helping Hands (R) Dr. Norbert Vollertsen (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  Abraham Lee of Crossing Borders giving speech (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld) (SITE NOTE: It is important to note that the man dressed as a Chinese guard was holding a TOY GUN because the Chinese later accused him of using a bolt cutter in the skit.)
  
  
  North Korean refugee skit (27 Apr 2008) (SITE NOTE: Note that the soldier is holding a TOY GUN. He is accused of using the bolt cutters as part of the skit.)
  
  
  (L) Tim Peters holding up banner (R) View of the stage (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Demonstration with flags (R) Police blocking the demonstration from moving out of their area (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  At this point the group returned to center their demonstration around the stage area. Shouting "No Human Rights, No Olympic Games!" they started to attract the attention of the large group of Chinese across the street. In return, the Chinese crowd of approximately 1000 returned their shouts. Sensing trouble, the riot police rushed in to position themselves in front of the North Korean refugee demonstration.
  
  After the relay had passed -- with the torch so heavily guarded that no one could see it -- the crowd control police lines collapsed and the Chinese from across the road rushed over to the activists area. The time was approximately 2:30p.m.after the Olympic torch left Olympic Park.
  
  An American "red-haired" reporter and her cameraman caught the group rushing across the street. (The video appeared on YouTube.) At that time there seemed to be no chanting. One could hear some mixed chants such as in English someone saying, "Brothers and Sisters..." As the Chinese swiftly surrounded the stage area, the chants became louder and unified. The activists were soon confronted by more than 1,000 China supporters who were led by a man with a loudhailer shouting, "Jiayou Zhongguo! (Way to go, China!)." The activists' voices were completely drowned out.
  
  At first, the North Korean refugee supporters gathered on the stage and one man shouted, "Get away, China" (meaning "Get Out, China"). Later the group shouted in unison, "No, you can't" in English -- meaning "No Olympics." On the stage was lined up the Korean "ghost" acting like a Chinese zombie with arms outstretched; next was the banner and the other supporters -- one with an umbrella. The riot police without helmets and only shields rushed in to form ranks in front of the stage area and started to push the Chinese back.
  
  
  (L) Torch Passes (R) Torch Passes and Police still have crowd control up (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  After relay passes, the Chinese rush across the road while the ROK police are being positioned (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Riot Police form up to block Chinese who are moving across street to North Korean Refugee activists (R) Riot Police block Chinese and start to push them back -- but the Chinese surge around the left of the police blockade. The stage is at the bottom of photo between blue truck and bus -- between trees. (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  (L) Chinese surge around the left side of the riot police blockade and move back to stage area (SITE NOTE: Notice that there are seven cameramen and only two students in the front ranks making this more a media circus than a protest.) (R) Chinese confront activists and more police with riot helmets appear. The green vest is a reporter, the light green jackets are police. (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  The jostling of the crowd became more violent. The cameraman was right next to the police line and the reporter was heard to say, "Jesus, Christ" as she starts to panic from being trapped between the Chinese and the police lines. The cameraman pans around and the Chinese are jumping up and down shouting "Jiayou Zhongguo!" He panned to the stage area and the North Korean refugee activists with their banner "Free North Korean Refugees in China" -- of which only "North Korean Refugees" can be seen -- and some carrying placards. There is also a gaggle of green-vested media cameramen on the left of the stage area. The video captured items being thrown at the people on the stage -- not one or two, but numerous objects. Most of them were paper cups and water bottles but some were later found to be stones. The cameramen to the left of the stage could be seen ducking objects thrown. The reporter states, "They're throwing things. Jesus Christ, Let me out. Please...Please!!!" as she starts to panic and tries to get through the police line. The cameraman captures a policeman ducking down and running for cover.
  
  
  Student throwing an object (27 April 2008) (Chosun.com) (SITE NOTE: Caught in photographs, this student, when confronted by police, impudently slapped the policeman's hand off his jacket. Then he glared at the policeman with a sneer on his face.)
  
  

  (SITE NOTE: In the video and photos, the numbers of green-vested cameramen in the front lines of the protests at first appeared to outnumber the Chinese in the front ranks. In one of the photos, we counted SEVEN cameramen in the front line along with only TWO students facing the riot police. Then when the objects started flying, the newsmen went through the police lines. Was it to seek safety behind the line? The video captures them climbing on the stage and on to vehicles to get a better shot of the Chinese throwing objects. It makes for a better news story. In the video, there must have been atleast TEN newsmen standing on the hood of the white truck of the makeshift stage -- and counted FIVE on the stage proper and watched ONE newsman climbing up on the stage. This was a MEDIA EVENT.
  
  In one sense, we are agreeing with the Chinese internet posters that state this furor over this riot is nothing, if you compare it to other riots in the past if one compares violence levels. We have to agree that this Chinese riot was NOT really as dangerous a riot condition as we have witnessed with the Hwancheongryeon "storm troopers" (Federation of University Student Councils) that in 2006 were slicing riot policemen throats with steel pipes that were sharpened into hooks at the end in Seoul or in 2007 using 8-foot splintered bamboo poles to carve up the ROK soldiers in Daechu-ri. On a scale from 1 to 10 of the types of riots we've seen in recent years in Korea, this would rate about a 2. There was a lot of fury, but not much blood. The objects thrown were mainly water bottles and the small flags -- items that the Chinese had readily available. There were not many stones because it took place on a paved street which had been swept prior to the torch relay. The little wood poles from the small flags became projectiles because that was all they had. Even bolt cutters appears suspicious as one must ask -- what student carries a bolt cutter to a rally?
  
  However, in another sense, the Chinese argument that the violence levels were less than other Korean riots is nonsense. They fail to see the reality of the situation. The only reason there is so much furor over this protest versus other protests is NOT the violence level, but the fact that CHINESE DID IT ON KOREAN SOIL. The bloody riots referenced were Koreans chopping up Koreans.)

  
  ROK Police separate Anti-North Korean protest and Chinese (NoCutNews.com) (27 Apr 2008) (bj2008olympics.com) (SITE NOTE: Notice how the activists are on the elevated stage shouting their slogans DOWN at the crowd -- while being protected by riot police. No wonder the Chinese students were enfuriated. Also notice the newsmen in green vests in front of the stage and crawling up on the stage to turn this into a media circus. Also note in the front rank of the police, there is a "red-haired" woman. We believe this is the woman we referred to in the text as the "red-haired reporter." This is prior to her crossing to through the police lines to get to safety in the rear. Her cameraman is somewhere to her right.)
  
  
  ROK police separate activists from Chinese (27 Apr 2008) (NoCutNews.com) (SITE NOTE: This is the first time the students rushed the stage area. Notice the riot police have no helmets at this time. Also notice that the activists are on the stage jeering down at the Chinese with the police between them and the Chinese. Notice the news photographers in the front ranks of both the activists (on stage) and the Chinese (against the police line) making this a media circus.)
  
  The riot police tried to push the crowd of Chinese back, but the crowd surged around the left side of the police line and once again confronted the activists. At this point many of the activist leaders were upon the elevated stage area -- above the heads of the police -- shouting their slogans of "No Human Rights, No Olympics!" In the video with the "red-haired reporter" the cameraman panned the stage again after he got through the police lines. The activists are still there pumping their arms up and down in time with their chants. He then pans the backs of the police line -- four to five deep -- and Chinese with their banners facing them. It appears that a caucasian (Tim Peters?) has joined the activists on the stage with an umbrella over his head as objects are still being hurled. It was at this time that some Free Tibet activists climbed on the stage area with their signs to the left of the stage. The riot police in front of the stage area are wearing their helmets though no body armor.
  
  In some other videos, it can be seen that the Chinese were trying to swing their banners at those on the stage in frustration, though it did not appear that any contacted them. The Chinese were simply too far away. However, the activists claimed that they were struck with bamboo poles.
  
  

  (SITE NOTE: Because they were elevated in an exposed position -- with only the police between them and the Chinese -- they actually drew the fury upon themselves almost as though they were challenging the Chinese to a fight -- it was a "King of the Hill" scenario. In hindsight, the stage should have been cleared by the police at this point. It was only after the main Chinese assault was over that the police plain-clothesmen cleared the stage forcibly to prevent a reflaring of the Chinese protest.)

  
  Riot Police in riot helmets and shields (without body armor) holding Chinese back (27 Apr 2008) (China Myspace)
  
  
  (L) Riot police position themselves between activists and Chinese (R) Chinese hurl objects (unknown rectangular object in air) (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Chinese hurl objects (green water bottle seen flying through air) (R) Riot police push back the Chinese a second time (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Chinese confront the activists while riot police forms ranks (R) Police push the Chinese back away from activists (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Riot Police separate the Chinese from the activists who occupy their stage. The stage (ZD) is at the bottom of photo between blue truck and bus -- between trees. (R) Riot Police push back the Chinese. "ZD" is a misidentification of the group for Free Tibet activists. (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  
  Riot Police push the Chinese across the street and the protest dissipates. Notice how the Chinese are leaving the area. (27 Apr 2008) (Huanqiu.com)
  
  Objects continued to be hurled at the activists. Some pro-Chinese demonstrators threw water bottles, rocks and unidentified objects at the activists. Dan Bielefeld's photos capture the objects flying towards the activists and what appears to be people in the crowd preparing to throw things. He claimed to be hit with an unknown objects, but sustained no injuries from it. However, the activists seem very close to the Chinese.
  
  The police started to push the protesters back and the protestors continued to hurl objects as witnessed in a video by a "red-haired" reporter. As her cameraman moved next to the stage area, he caught on tape that atleast two "Free Tibet" protestors that had hopped on the right of the make-shift stage just as the riot police started to push the Chinese back. (They were not there in the beginning on video of the stage as the Chinese swept up to the stage area.) The North Korean refugee element were still up there as well with their banner that read "Free North Korean Refugees in China." To the left were others of the North Korean refugee group with signs. All those on stage, with the exception of the cameramen, were shouting their slogans back at the Chinese.
  
  At this point, the Riot Police push the Chinese back so that they were near the middle of the road. According to the video by the "red-haired" reporter, the items continued to be thrown as the police pushed the Chinese back. The camera continued rolling until the students were pushed out of range when the object throwing ceased.
  
  
  The reporter in this picture whose head is bleeding was hit by a stone thrown by Chinese students. (27 Apr 2008) ((Jin Guohuan/The Epoch Times)
  
  Once the Chinese had been pushed back about 50 yards the second time, the hurling of objects ceased. The highly volatile emotions seemed to dissipate from the Chinese and the Chinese left peacefully carrying their flags with them.
  
  Now that things calmed down, the activists were forcibly removed from the stage by people Dan Bielefeld described as "plain-clothes policemen." Dan Bielefeld exclaimed that he did not understand why. However, given that the activist elevated stage position was what incited violence as all the Chinese nationalist emotion was focused on the stage. From this viewpoint, it is understandable why the police forcibly removed everyone from the stage. The did not want the violence to re-explode. The Chinese crowd started to leave the scene peacefully.
  
  At this point an impromptu news conference was held as there were clusters of newsmen looking for a story. The leaders of the North Korean refugee group showed the items that were thrown at them -- including a set of bolt cutters that the individual who portrayed a soldier displayed to the newsmen. Separate interviews were done with the various leaders. (SITE NOTE: In hindsight, we have to ask -- what wierd kind of Chinese student carries a set of bolt cutters to a demonstration? This is one of those unanswered questions. The Chinese on the internet made it more muddled when they blamed the activists for having used the bolt cutter in their skit -- a complete untruth.)
  
  
  (L) Impromptu news conference (R) Impromptu news conference (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  Dr. Norbert Vollertsen in a "discussion" with Chinese demonstrator after the protest (27 Apr 2008) (Yonhap News) (SITE NOTE: Norbert Vollertsen, a German doctor and advocate for North Korean refugees, said on 27 Apr, “This torch run reminds me of Hitler, who first invented it in 1936 to divert world attention from human rights problems in Germany under the disguise of 'world harmony.'” In these discussions, he was circled by ROK police for protection, but anyone was allowed to come in to talk to him. UPI photos showed the policemen encircling Dr. Vollertsen.)
  
  The Chinese went home peacefully and Dan Bielefeld struck up conversations with some of the Chinese who were very friendly and communicative. The photos indicate that was no residual rancor that the ROK media seemed to want to paint of the Chinese against the ROK as though it was some deep personal attack. The news media seems to have made the incident -- though dramatic and violent -- into something it was not.
  
  Later that evening, the leaders of the demonstration held another press conference in which they displayed the objects that they claimed were hurled at them during the demonstration -- including the bolt cutters.
  
  
  (L) Chinese students leaving by subway (R) Chinese students filing out peacefully from the Park area (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  
  (L) Chinese students in subway (R) Chinese student met on subway (27 Apr 2008) (Dan Bielefeld)
  
  On 28 Apr, the North Korean refugee activists held a press conference in front of the Chinese Embassy were they protested the actions of the students and accused the Embassy of providing assistance to the students. Again the leaders of the group showed the items that were thrown at them.
  
  
  (L) Choi Yong-Ho from The Youth Liberal Alliance shows the area of the left side of his chest that was wounded by small bolt cutters to the media. (28 Apr 2008) (New Tang Dynasty Television) (R) Church pastor Jin Kui-Ho shows stones, bolt cutters and other things that were thrown at them by Chinese students. (28 Apr 2008) (New Tang Dynasty Television)
  
  

Koreans were initially surprised and awed when thousands of Chinese flags spread across central Seoul, wondering what in the world brought those young Chinese people out in force. At first it seemed a show of patriotic enthusiasm - but that impression soured when, the next morning, video clips of Chinese students beating up anti-Chinese protesters and Korean police officers surfaced online. The clips show some 100 Chinese crowding in on several Koreans protesting against China's repression in Tibet in the lobby of the Seoul Plaza Hotel in the heart of the capital, beating them with flagpoles and fists, and kicking them. Riot police were sandwiched in the middle, and some of them were also beaten.

The Chinese students kept shouting, "Beat him to death!" and "Apologize!" Those who were beaten up by the Chinese mob were later revealed to have been three members of civil rights groups who had protested against China's handling of the Tibet issue in front of the Deoksu Palace on Sunday afternoon. They escaped into the hotel after being chased by over 400 China supporters. One riot police officer had to have six stitches in the head after being beaten by the mob.

There was also footage of a reporter bleeding from the head after being hit by a piece of wood thrown by the Chinese, and a leading member of a civil rights group hurt by a metal cutter hurled by the Chinese demonstrator. One clip shows four American high school students wearing "Free Tibet" T-shirts surrounded by 300 Chinese people. They were later rescued by the police.

Chinese students studying in Korea posted messages like "Let's smash them with eggs" and arranging to meet at the Olympic Park on Sunday. The response has been a surge in anti-Chinese sentiment here, the anger of Korean posters directed at violence by Chinese people in the capital of their host country. "If a Korean beat Chinese police officer, he would have been killed," one irate Internet user wrote. (Source: Chosun Ilbo.)