South Korean PM Condemns Anti-Tourist Protests Ahead of APEC Summit

October 15, 2025 | 09:14 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Seok on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, called for decisive action against all forms of hate speech and discrimination towards foreign tourists ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held at the end of this month.

The call was made by Kim during a public security meeting with several related ministers, including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung, amid the proliferation of anti-China protests in various areas of Seoul.

"The government regards the (APEC summit) as not simply a diplomatic event, but as an opportunity to show the Republic of Korea's restored national dignity," he said as reported by Yonhap and quoted by Antara.

He referred to the meeting scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, southeast of South Korea.

Kim highlighted the sustainability of hate actions against foreigners in several locations that he considered damaging to the country's image.

"These self-destructive acts are deeply concerning as they not only cause anxiety among foreigners but greatly disrupt the businesses of local small merchants," he said.

Kim acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech, but emphasized that this freedom must be exercised without violating the rights and safety of others.

"I believe discriminatory actions and humiliating expressions against foreigners must be eradicated without fail as they are acts harmful to the Republic of Korea's national dignity and standing," said Kim.

He stressed that every ministry is required to enforce the law decisively and consistently against any actions that incite hatred and discrimination against foreign tourists and harm small business operators.

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