2005 - 世貿韓農示威 South Korean farmers' protest against the WTO

Background:

The WTO Ministerial Conference was held in Hong Kong in 2005. South Korean farmers who protested against the WTO came under the spotlight during the event. They strongly opposed the opening of their local markets which resulted in losses competing against cheap import of agricultural products.

Details:

The Korean protesters came to Hong Kong in groups, marched in Wai Chai, kneeling and kowtowing throughout the demonstration. Some even jumped into the Victoria Harbour and attempted to swim to the venue of the conference. Fierce clashes between the protesters and the police broke out.

Consequences:

The police eventually cleared the protest zones and arrested some of the protesters. As the South Korean's way of protesting was very different and regarded as innovative, some young people of Hong Kong were inspired to follow such methods of demonstration and joined the protest. Similar strategies and ways of protesting can be found in Hong Kong in the future.

News Report from Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (Reuters), 11 July 2005

News Report from the Wall Street Journal, 13 December 2005

Pro-Beijing commentary, Ta Kung Pao, 19 December 2005  (Chinese) (English-translated)

Pro-Democracy commentary, Apple Daily, 19 December 2005 (Chinese) (English-translated)