Militant protests in South Korea have successfully pressured the South Korean government to delay a planned resumption of U.S. beef imports.
In recent weeks, tens of thousands of protestors, primarily students, have held nightly rallies in Seoul opposing an agreement made in April with the United States to lift the ban on U.S. beef. Students are concerned that the beef will be used in school cafeterias, exposing thousands to potential health risks.
Under the new agreement, South Korea will not be able to halt U.S. beef imports even if there is proof that the beef is unsafe.
In 2003, South Korea banned U.S. beef after mad cow disease was found in U.S. cattle. The U.S. has pressured the South Korean government to lift the ban saying that it is the only way to move forward with the U.S. mandated “free trade” agreement between the two countries.
