Seoul: A progressive civic group held a protest rally outside the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, chanting slogans accusing the United States of interfering in South Korea's domestic affairs.

According to Yonhap News Agency, an estimated 500 protesters, as reported by the police, gathered outside the U.S. Embassy compound in central Gwanghwamun. They held placards condemning the U.S. for undermining South Korea's sovereignty by requesting that Seoul lift an exit ban on Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of K-pop entertainment powerhouse Hybe.

The protesters charged that the U.S. is "attacking" President Lee Jae Myung because of his refusal to support the U.S. war against Iran and his efforts to seek an early transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S. They further criticized Washington for restricting intelligence-sharing with Seoul on North Korea after Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's unilateral disclosure of shared intelligence on a North Korean nuclear facility. The group also denounced the nomination of Michelle Park Steel, a former Republican lawmaker, as the new U.S. ambassador to South Korea.

The civic group, known as "Candlelight Action," had been marching from Jonggak Station before stopping in front of the embassy compound to stage the rally. Police issued two warnings over loudspeakers, instructing them to continue marching, and the protesters complied without any clashes.

Earlier in the day, approximately 6,000 protesters affiliated with a conservative group led by hard-line activist pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon held a separate demonstration in Gwanghwamun. They justified the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law as a right that can be exercised by a leader under national distress.