▲ This photo captured from the Korean Progressive University Student Union's YouTube channel shows its members holding banners denouncing Xavier Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, while being taken into police custody in Seoul on May 7, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

student activists-US Embassy

8 student activists detained after attempting to enter U.S. Embassy in Seoul

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- Eight liberal student activists were apprehended by police Thursday for attempting to enter the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.

The students, all members of the Korean Progressive University Student Union, staged a surprise rally around noon in front of the embassy's main gate to denounce Xavier Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, before attempting to trespass onto the embassy compound.

They strongly resisted by lying down on the road in protest against the police, who demanded that they disperse because their rally was not registered in advance.

The students were taken to the Seoul Jongno Police Station for questioning on charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act. No one was reportedly injured during the process.

The student union has claimed that Brunson's remarks regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, made during his appearance before U.S. Congress last month, constituted an infringement on sovereignty. Brunson stated at that time, "Political expediency must not outpace the conditions."

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