[Photo] Rival gatherings support, oppose Trump’s SK visit

US President Donald Trump was greeted by rival demonstrations as he arrived to address the National Assembly on Nov. 8. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the Korea Alliance for Progressive Movements and other groups opposed to Trump’s visit reported that 1,000 of their members attended the demonstration, although police estimates were little more than half that number. The group expressed the opinion that “the United States government needs to abandon its policy of domination and hegemony in order to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.” It also said that, “A war-mongering racist like Trump who just wants to destroy the peace is totally unqualified to speak at the National Assembly. We totally oppose this speech.”

On the opposite side, Trump’s visit was welcomed by the Korean Veterans Association. “President Trump is visiting Japan, South Korea, and China ahead of the APEC Summit, yet ours was the only country where he is addressing the National Assembly. We’ve gathered here to show the highest respect to our blood-brother and closest ally,” said KVA Chairman Kim Jin-ho. (by Seon Dam-eun, staff reporter)