Thousands Protest in Seoul Against U.S. President Trump’s Upcoming Visit
Mass Demonstrations Erupt Ahead of APEC Summit
Seoul, South Korea — Over a thousand demonstrators filled central Seoul on Saturday to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, set to begin later this week. Carrying banners and chanting slogans, protesters demanded accountability for what they described as unfair trade policies, aggressive diplomacy, and labor disputes tied to U.S.-South Korea economic relations.
The crowds gathered near Seoul Plaza, where chants of “No Trump!” echoed through the city’s commercial district. Some protesters held caricatures of President Trump dressed as a robber, symbolizing what they called “predatory” U.S. trade demands. Others hoisted flags from labor unions, progressive civic groups, and student organizations, creating a colorful but defiant display against the backdrop of the city’s government buildings and high-rise towers.
This protest marks one of the largest demonstrations ahead of a major international visit in South Korea this year, signaling intensifying frustration over Washington’s approach to trade and foreign policy under the Trump administration’s second term.
Discontent Rooted in Recent Labor Dispute
A significant source of public anger stemmed from a recent U.S. immigration raid in early September at a large South Korean–owned battery plant in Georgia. More than 300 South Korean technicians and workers—who had entered the United States on valid short-term work visas—were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the operation. Many of the workers were reportedly held for several days before being released and later returned to South Korea.
Trade unions and civic leaders have demanded an explicit apology from the U.S. government, accusing Washington of mistreating legitimate foreign workers and undermining bilateral trust. “These were skilled engineers helping to establish advanced battery production facilities in America,” said Han Min-woo, a spokesperson for a major labor coalition. “Detaining them not only disrespected the workers but also dishonored the partnership between two allied nations.”
South Korean political observers note that while Seoul and Washington remain close security partners, U.S. domestic enforcement actions often reverberate abroad. The Georgia incident, coming amid sharp debates about global supply chains and industrial competition, has become a flashpoint in discussions about the future of cooperative manufacturing in the green energy sector.
Economic Anxiety Over Trade and Investment Demands
Another major theme of the protests centered on President Trump’s reported demand for South Korea to pledge as much as $350 billion in new U.S. investments over the next decade. The administration argues such commitments would deepen bilateral economic ties, but South Korean labor and industry groups have criticized the proposal as excessive and coercive.
“This is robbery, not negotiation,” read one prominent banner held by a group of university students. Shields painted with slogans such as “Jobs for Seoul, not Washington” and “Fair Trade, Not Forced Trade” accompanied the display.
In recent months, U.S. trade officials have pressed several Asia-Pacific nations to expand domestic investment in American manufacturing and infrastructure projects as part of the administration’s “America Works” initiative. While Seoul’s business community acknowledges the strategic benefits of investing in the U.S., critics argue that imposing large upfront sums could destabilize South Korea’s fragile post-pandemic recovery.
The country’s export-driven economy has faced mounting pressure from global inflation, semiconductor market volatility, and rising competition in electric vehicle and battery industries. Analysts note that any large-scale capital redirection toward America could limit domestic innovation programs and constrain job creation at home.
Security Concerns and Nuclear Diplomacy on the Agenda
Beyond economic disputes, the protests also reflected anxieties about regional security issues that could arise during the APEC summit. President Trump’s presence in Gyeongju—the summit’s host city—has renewed speculation about possible side meetings with both South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and North Korean envoys.
While no official confirmation has been issued, diplomatic sources suggest that informal conversations about North Korea’s nuclear program and inter-Korean relations could take place on the sidelines of the forum. The mere hint of potential U.S.–North Korea contact has reignited both hope and skepticism among South Koreans.
“Every time the U.S. president visits, there’s talk of breakthrough discussions with Pyongyang,” said Park Ji-yeon, a political science professor at Seoul National University. “But the reality is, expectations often exceed outcomes, leaving people disillusioned about genuine progress.”
The protests, therefore, have come to represent more than just opposition to a single political figure—they embody a broader debate about how South Korea navigates its position between great powers at a time of geopolitical tension.
Police Presence and Security Tightened Across Capital
Authorities deployed more than 3,000 police officers throughout central Seoul to contain the rallies and prevent clashes between opposing groups. While Saturday’s demonstrations proceeded largely peacefully, officials remain concerned about potential confrontations during the president’s arrival later in the week.
Security has also been tightened in Gyeongju, the southeastern city that will host the APEC summit from October 29 to November 1. City officials have erected temporary barriers near hotels and convention halls, while large segments of public transportation routes will be diverted. Additional measures, including crowd control fencing and drone surveillance, have been implemented for the duration of the summit.
Rival conservative groups plan counter-rallies greeting President Trump’s arrival, arguing that his policies have strengthened the U.S.-South Korea alliance and bolstered deterrence against North Korean aggression. Law enforcement officials have urged all demonstrators to stay peaceful.
Historical Context: Protests and U.S. Relations
Public demonstrations against American presidents are not new in South Korea. Since the late 1980s, visits by U.S. leaders have routinely sparked both support and protest, reflecting the deep complexity of the bilateral relationship. Large rallies greeted George W. Bush in 2002 following a tragic military vehicle accident that killed two South Korean schoolgirls, while protests also met Barack Obama’s 2014 visit during disputes over troop relocation and trade negotiations.
However, analysts remark that Trump’s second-term policies have elicited a different tenor of response—one marked by frustration over what many perceive as transactional diplomacy. Critics say that while past U.S. presidents emphasized alliance solidarity, Trump’s rhetoric has often focused on cost-sharing and economic extraction.
Still, South Korea’s strategic reliance on the United States remains significant. American troops have been stationed on the peninsula since the Korean War, and joint military exercises continue to serve as the backbone of regional security. The challenge for Seoul lies in balancing domestic discontent with the realities of international partnership.
Economic and Diplomatic Stakes at the APEC Summit
The upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju carries high economic stakes for the Asia-Pacific region. Delegates from 21 member economies are expected to discuss sustainable trade, supply chain resilience, and artificial intelligence regulation. As global markets teeter between inflation and stagnation, this year’s summit aims to promote deeper integration across emerging sectors such as green technology and semiconductor production.
For South Korea, hosting the conference symbolizes both prestige and responsibility. The country has positioned itself as a pivotal hub for technological innovation and maritime trade, but domestic tensions risk overshadowing its diplomatic agenda. Local economic analysts caution that unrest could send mixed signals to investors watching how Seoul manages its foreign policy balancing act.
President Trump’s participation will draw particular attention as he champions a new regional economic initiative aimed at reshoring industries and reducing dependency on China. Asian partners remain divided over how far to align with American industrial policy objectives. Meanwhile, China’s President Xi Jinping and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are both confirmed attendees, setting the stage for delicate trilateral conversations regarding trade, technology security, and sanctions enforcement.
Voices from the Protest and Public Reaction
Saturday’s demonstration attracted a wide demographic: factory workers, students, retirees, and activists from multiple civic movements. Many participants linked their economic anxiety to broader global inequalities. Some carried placards connecting labor rights to climate justice, while others sang protest songs condemning militarization and economic coercion.
A middle-aged protester from the coastal city of Busan, identified only as Kim, said she came to Seoul “to show that ordinary South Koreans are frustrated by being treated as pawns in someone else’s business game.” Another attendee, a university student named Lee Seon-jin, described the protest as “a cry for recognition,” arguing that “Korea deserves respect from allies, not demands.”
Public opinion surveys released Friday indicated that while most South Koreans still support maintaining strong defense ties with Washington, only a slim majority approve of Trump’s handling of bilateral relations. Analysts suggest these protests, though not universally supported, reveal deep-seated ambivalence over whether the U.S.-South Korea alliance remains equitable in the modern geopolitical landscape.
Outlook: Summit Tensions and Diplomatic Opportunities
As the APEC summit draws near, both Seoul and Washington face heightened scrutiny. For South Korea, managing domestic unrest while projecting diplomatic competence will test President Yoon’s administration. For President Trump, the meeting offers a powerful opportunity to reaffirm U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific while navigating an audience increasingly wary of American economic assertiveness.
Officials from both nations have downplayed the protests, emphasizing that civil demonstrations are a natural part of democratic expression. Nonetheless, with banners waving and chants filling Seoul’s autumn air, Saturday’s rally underscored a pivotal moment for South Korea’s relationship with its longest-standing ally—a partnership under strain, yet crucial for the region’s stability in an uncertain world.