NextFin news, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday, October 2, 2025, ordered a crackdown on anti-Chinese and anti-foreigner rallies occurring within South Korea. This directive was issued in response to rising protests by far-right groups targeting Chinese tourists and the Chinese Communist Party, coinciding with the government's recent introduction of a visa-free entry program for visitors from China.
The visa-free initiative, launched earlier this week, is designed to stimulate tourism and boost consumer spending in South Korea. Major retailers have already begun tailoring promotions and payment systems to attract Chinese visitors, recognizing the economic significance of Chinese tourism to the country’s retail and service sectors.
President Lee emphasized that such rallies damage South Korea’s international image and economic prospects. He instructed security forces to ban racial hatred and ensure the protection of foreign visitors, linking the nation’s reputation directly to its economic stability.
The crackdown reflects the government’s effort to balance domestic political tensions with the need to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with China, South Korea’s largest trading partner. This move is particularly timely as it precedes the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend.
Far-right groups behind the protests are expected to resist the crackdown, framing their actions as nationalist opposition to China’s influence. Meanwhile, South Korean businesses and retailers have expressed strong support for President Lee’s stance, anticipating significant revenue from increased Chinese tourist flows.
Although Beijing has not formally commented, the Chinese government is likely to view the crackdown as a positive gesture ahead of President Xi’s potential visit to South Korea for the APEC summit.
Public opinion in South Korea remains divided; while many citizens support the economic benefits brought by tourism, nationalist sentiments persist among certain demographics, posing challenges to social harmony.
President Lee’s order signals Seoul’s commitment to protecting its tourism industry and maintaining stable diplomatic relations with China. The coming months will test the government’s ability to manage domestic unrest while leveraging closer economic cooperation with its key neighbor.
Source: Modern Diplomacy, October 2, 2025.
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