SEOUL, South Korea — The government sealed off major rallying points in central Seoul on Sunday after hundreds of citizens and police officers were injured during a protest against U.S. beef imports.
Police buses cordoned off plazas and intersections where large crowds have gathered almost daily since early May. Protesters fear U.S. beef may contain mad cow disease.
Still, protesters broke into several groups of hundreds and marched Sunday evening, engaging in sporadic shoving matches with the police.
The Korean Metal Workers’ Union, which represents 240 companies, plans a two-hour work stoppage Wednesday to demand a new beef deal and better working conditions. The Catholic Priests’ Association for Justice said it would lead an outdoor Mass today to lend its moral support to the protesters.
