Pride returns to Seoul for 1st time since 2019

Seoul, Jul 16 (EFE).- Tens of thousands of people on Saturday took part in Seoul’s LGBTI Pride party, held for the first time since 2019 amid a strong security deployment and the presence of Christian counter-protests.

The participants flocked to the plaza in front of Seoul City Hall to celebrate the 23rd edition of the Seoul Queer Culture Festival, which was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

A group of foreign ambassadors to South Korea also took the stage of the venue showing support for the community, including the US ambassador Phillip Goldberg, who has just taken office in the Asian country.

The parade was kicked off under torrential rain that did not discourage the floats and the rest of the participants.

Hundreds of parishioners from Christian churches gathered near the square displaying protest messages, which forced the deployment of hundreds of police officers.

In some cases, the security forces had to intervene to prevent attacks against the participants.

The LGBT community has been celebrating this festival since 2000 in the South Korean capital. EFE

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