Chinese Embassy in South Korea Issues Warning to Citizens Against Participation in Protests Ahead of Constitutional Court's Impeachment Ruling

The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has issued a notice urging Chinese nationals residing in Korea to exercise caution in light of the impending ruling by the Constitutional Court on President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment, scheduled for the 4th.

The embassy strongly advised its citizens not to participate in or observe large-scale gatherings.

On the 1st, shortly after the Constitutional Court announced that the ruling on President Yoon's impeachment would take place on the 4th, the embassy posted a notice titled "A Reminder to Chinese Nationals in Korea" on its official WeChat account.

In the notice, the embassy warned, "The Constitutional Court of Korea is expected to deliver a ruling regarding President Yoon's impeachment on the 4th," adding, "Large-scale gatherings and demonstrations may occur nationwide around the time of the ruling, and the possibility of extreme incidents cannot be ruled out."

The notice continued, "Please pay special attention to the local situation and public safety, and increase your awareness of risk," urging citizens to avoid participating in, lingering around, or observing political gatherings occurring locally.

Chinese Embassy Recommends 'Refraining from Political Statements' and 'Avoiding Sensitive Areas'

The Chinese Embassy in South Korea also emphasized that its nationals should refrain from making political statements or discussing politics in public spaces, and should avoid verbal or physical altercations with local residents.

Furthermore, it recommended checking traffic control information in advance and planning their travel routes accordingly.

The embassy specifically referred to areas like the Constitutional Court, Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, and Hannam-dong as "sensitive regions," requesting citizens to avoid visiting these areas. This appears to be a precautionary measure in response to heightened anti-China sentiment centered around anti-impeachment protests.

Previously, in January, the Chinese Embassy had advised its nationals in Korea not to participate in political activities. This latest notice is interpreted as an additional warning measure for the protection of its citizens, given the approaching ruling date.

Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Justice's Immigration and Foreign Affairs Policy Headquarters, there are approximately 800,000 Chinese nationals residing in South Korea as of 2023, the highest proportion among all foreign nationals.

Many of these individuals live in the metropolitan area, which is close to the downtown regions of Seoul where large-scale protests are expected.

Diplomatic experts commented, "It is a part of the consular duty for foreign missions to advise their nationals to be cautious about political situations for their protection," while also noting that given the sensitivity of the recent domestic political landscape, this can be seen as a particularly heightened measure.

Image Source: Chinese Embassy in South Korea / Photo = Insight, on the afternoon of the 29th of last month, members of conservative groups like the Free Unification Party (left) and progressive organizations like Emergency Action, along with citizens, held protests both for and against President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment in front of Donghwa Duty-Free Shop in Jung-gu and in front of the Jongno District's Dongsipjag, shouting slogans. 2025.3.29 / News1, Xi Jinping, President of China / gettyimageskorea