Eight members of the Korean University Progressive Union were arrested while calling for the withdrawal of US troops from Korea
Members of the Korean University Progressive Union protest outside the US Embassy in Seoul’s Jongno District on May 7, 2026. (still from KUPU YouTube video)
Members of a Korean progressive student union were arrested Thursday after attempting to enter the US Embassy during a protest, according to police. Jongno Police Station said that it had apprehended eight members of the Korean University Progressive Union that day who had staged a demonstration in front of the US Embassy and attempted to breach the building. The police are questioning those members on suspicion of violating laws pertaining to assemblies and demonstrations. Those detained had organized the protest to denounce Gen. Xavier Brunson, the commander of US Forces Korea, and call for the withdrawal of US military bases from the country. During a US Senate committee hearing last month, Brunson said that it was important to ensure that “political expediency does not outpace the conditions” of returning wartime operational control over Korea’s military to Seoul. The union argues that this statement constitutes an infringement on South Korea’s sovereignty. Following their surprise protest, the union tussled with the police after attempting to enter the embassy. Viewing this as an unauthorized rally, police arrested the protesters and took them into custody.By Cho Hae-young, staff reporterPlease direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]
