Two Views

From Conservatives and Progressives Celebrate March 1 Uprising Separately:

"On March 1, the conservatives held a rally on the Seoul City Hall plaza (left), and the progressives held one at Pagoda Park. The conflict between the conservatives calling for a strengthened Korea-U.S. alliance and the progressives for intra-national unity is a microcosm of Korean society."

Regarding the "conservatives," this comes from Thousands mark March 1 with protests:

"An estimated 30,000 pro-U.S. demonstrators from more than 140 conservative groups, including the Christian Council of Korea and the nationwide Veterans of Korea, waved paper Korean and American flags at the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall.

"Organizers called it a national movement to eliminate pro-North Korean and leftist elements in the country.

"They advocate closer cooperation between South Korea and the United States to push out North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and bring about permanent peace and security on the Korean Peninsula."

And, from the same source, comes this about the "progressives":

"Meantime, about 600 members of progressive groups, including the Korea Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation as well as religious groups, gathered in Jongno for a joint event.

"Their initial demonstration in front of the Japanese Embassy drew about 70 protesters who warned that Japan was using American power to prevent peace between the two Koreas."