SOUTH KOREA: LGBT Rights Protesters Thank Supporters Around World

Via press release:

At 5 PM on December 10, the fifth day of the sit-in, the mayor requested a private conversation with the protesters. Consequently, a delegation consisting of six representatives from both LGBT activist groups and civil NGOs met with him. From the start, dialogue had been one of the protesters’ demands. During the private conversation, the mayor apologized to the LGBT delegation, “It is my responsibility and fault.” Saying, “I am sorry for the emotional pain that you have suffered and will make whatever statements that you demand,” he made it clear that “This is an occasion for me to offer comfort for the emotional pain that you have suffered and to apologize to you” and, “regardless of any misunderstanding or statement, no citizen will be subjected to discrimination or disadvantage.” He also stated, “I will search for practical ways of resolving the difficulties that you suffer from.” On the contrary, the official press release subsequently issued by the metropolitan government mentioned the entire train of events only briefly and inadequately: “deep regret for having provided the grounds for the sit-in.” Nevertheless, the protesters concluded that the promise made by the mayor during the private conversation was important.