2008 US beef protest in South Korea

none hist June 2019December 2025 August 2020 thumb|250px|Protesters lit up their candles in downtown Seoul, 3 May 2008. thumb|250px|A close up picture of Candle-light girl, an iconic character created by protest organizers. The slogan reads, "All candles together, till our goals are achieved". Photo taken in front of Seoul City Hall on 6 June 2008. The 2008 US beef protest in South Korea was a series of protest demonstrations made between 24 May 2008 and mid August 2008.Pang Huikyong The 2008 Candlelight Protest in South Korea: Articulating the Paradox of Resistance in Neoliberal Globalization January 2013 151087800 against president Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, Korea.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-protest-idUSSEO21734120080531 Anti-U.S. beef protest draws 100,000 S.Koreans 2008-05-31 Reuters 2019-06-29 en The protest involved several hundred thousand and at its height up to one million people.November 12, 2016 South Koreans gather en masse for protest against president https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/south-koreans-gather-en-masse-for-protest-against-president/2016/11/12/602cf658-a85c-11e6-ba46-53db57f0e351_story.html April 11, 2025 The Washington Post The protest began after the South Korean government reversed a ban on US beef imports. The ban had been in place since December 2003, when mad cow disease was detected in US beef cattle. https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7491482.stm Thousands in S Korea beef protest BBC News 5 July 2009 11 June 2012 The protests occurred on a background of talks concerning the US-Korea free trade agreement. Critics accused the move as an attempt by the Korean government to please the US government. Local media also criticized the government's attempt. An example of this is the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) PD Note program "Is American Beef Really Safe from Mad Cow Disease? (긴급취재, 미국산 쇠고기, 과연 광우병에서 안전한가)" televised on 27 April 2008. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/06/117_26501.html MBC's overdue apology The Korea Times 25 June 2009 11 June 2012 Lee Myung-bak's popularity plummeted after the decision and protests. Background South Korea was once the third-largest importer of US beef. This changed when in 2003 mad-cow disease, specifically the prion responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), was detected in US beef. Imports were then halted. Christine Ahn of Foreign Policy in Focus writes that the main concern was that Koreans eat parts of the cow that are more likely to contain prions, such as the brain, eyes, and intestines.Ahn Christine Foreign Policy In Focus South Korea's Beef with America http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5298 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805185904/http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5298 2009-08-05 2025-04-11 www.fpif.org In 2008, the then new Lee Myung-bak government agreed, after extensive negotiations, to restart imports.Borowiec Steven South Korea's New Beef with U.S. https://thediplomat.com/2012/05/south-koreas-new-beef-with-u-s/ 2016-03-08 The Diplomat That decision set off a firestorm of controversy, leading hundreds of thousands of citizens to come out in the spring and early summer of 2008 in protest over the resumed imports and against the corrupt chaebol government. Media reports, public networks, and PD Note uncovered the new president's policies to be putting South Koreans' health at risk of contracting mad cow disease. The deal sparked public outrage for exposing the country to a higher risk of mad cow disease.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/world/asia/30korea.html?_r=0 Beef Protest Turns Violent in South Korea The New York Times 30 June 2008 Choe Sang-Hun Natively referred to as the "Million Citizen Protests," the events comprised nation's largest anti-government movement in two decades, drawing hundreds of thousands of citizens daily and 1,700 civic groups over a span of three months. The conflict escalated to over 770,000 protesters in contention with 470,000 police.Sang-Hun Choe 2008-06-12 An Anger in Korea Over More Than Beef https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/world/asia/12seoul.html 2025-04-11 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331Yoon Elise Largest Crowd in Anti-Lee Myung-Bak Protests: Strong Demand in Peaceful Candle-Light Grand March http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=/ST/db/read.php?idx=6729 2025-04-11 theseoultimes.com Origin of the protest 2003 On 23 December 2003, a first case of BSE in the US was found in Washington state. The Holstein cow had been imported from Canada in 2001. On 9 December the 6.5-year-old cow was slaughtered. The cow was a "downer" (a cow that is unable to walk). For that reason, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) was automatically notified; and the cow was examined before and after its death by a government vet. The veterinarian determined that the cow was suffering from complications of calving. Samples of tissue were taken for further testing for BSE. Parts of the cow with a high risk of transmitting the BSE prion were removed but may have been sent for "inedible rendering" into food for non-ruminant animals. The carcass itself was allowed to continue on for further processing into human food at other facilities. On 23 December 2003 when tests proved positive for BSE, a recall was made. The contaminated meat had not entered the commercial market. Offspring of the cow were destroyed.January 9, 2004 Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in a Dairy Cow --- Washington State, 2003 https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5253a2.htm 2025-04-11 www.cdc.gov South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan banned imports of US beef.December 23, 2003 Countries move to ban U.S. beef http://edition.cnn.com/2003/BUSINESS/12/23/japan.madcow.reax/ 2025-04-11 CNN The head of the US FDA at the time was Ann M. Veneman, a former lobbyist for the food industry.Krugman Paul Paul Krugman 2008-06-13 Opinion Bad Cow Disease https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/13/opinion/13krugman.html 2025-04-11 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Japan allowed "imports of beef and beef products aged 20 months or younger" as a "'scientifically sound and internationally recognized standard,'" stated US Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns. In contrast, the first phase of Korea's agreement allows bone-in beef 30 months or younger while the second phase allows "specified products from animals over 30 months at a later date.Krause Susan December 13, 2005 United States Urges Japan to Stay Engaged on Beef Standards https://seoul.usembassy.gov/econ20051213.html https://web.archive.org/web/20100528033932/https://seoul.usembassy.gov/econ20051213.html May 28, 2010 April 11, 2025 Contrary to FDA regulations and those specified by the Free Trade Agreement, only 5 out of 57 local companies requested for packages to be checked. There was a 3% inspection from US and 1% inspection agreement from Australia/New Zealand. The sample packages were inspected solely for labeling discrepancies, instead of the presence of disease.http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5298 Foreign Policy In Focus South Korea's Beef with America 7 May 2019 5 August 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090805185904/http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/5298 dead Although there were many confirmed cases of BSE in brain scans and medical tests performed on the public, the true death toll of these policies has yet to be calculated.캐나다, 15번째 광우병 소 발생 확인 https://v.daum.net/v/20081118101810733 2025-04-11 다음 - 연합뉴스 2006 By 2006, sixty-five nations had full or partial restrictions on the importation of US beef. Export sales of US beef fell from $3.8 billion in 2003 to $1.4 billion in 2005.August 3, 2006 Mad cow watch goes blind https://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-03-our-view_x.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20120913065616/http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-03-our-view_x.htm 2012-09-13 2025-04-11 www.usatoday.com An attempt to reopen the South Korean market to US beef imports in 2006 (restricted to boneless meat from cattle less than 30 months old) failed when the South Korean government discovered bone chips in a shipment of 3.2 tons of meat.2013-02-04 Second Shipment of U.S. Beef Rejected http://www.thebeefsite.com/bse-news/14140/ https://archive.today/20130204012635/http://www.thebeefsite.com/bse-news/14140/ dead 2013-02-04 2025-04-11 Sporadic attempts made in the following year also failed for similar reasons. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306232702/http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/16868/s-korea-us-to-hold-technical-meeting-on-us-beef/ 6 March 2016 "S. Korea, U.S. to hold technical meeting on U.S. beef." 30 April 2007. Thebeefsite.com. Farm week. 5M enterprises. Retrieved 11 June 2012. 2008 – Lee's reversal of the beef import ban On 17 January 2008 representatives of the president of South Korea met with Alexander Vershbow, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea to discuss beef imports.2011-09-06 'Lee made beef deal before Bush talks in 2008' - The Korea Times https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20110906/lee-made-beef-deal-before-bush-talks-in-2008 2025-04-11 www.koreatimes.co.kr en Further talks were held between 11 and 17 April 2008. On 18 April U.S. and South Korean negotiators reached an agreement on the sanitary rules that Korea would require of U.S. beef imports. The agreement allowed imports of all cuts of U.S. beef (both boneless and bone-in) and certain beef products, including those from cattle over 30 months old. Processors had to remove material known to risk BSE prion transmission.Jurenas Remy Manyin Mark E. September 23, 2010 U.S.-South Korea Beef Dispute: Issues and Status http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL34528.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20120311121101/http://www.nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/crs/RL34528.pdf March 11, 2012 April 11, 2025 President Lee visited President George W. Bush at Camp David on 20 April 2008. The U.S. reported, President Bush welcomed the decision of the Korean government to resume the import of U.S. beef, based on international standards and science. The two presidents pledged to make every effort to urge their respective legislatures to approve the KORUS FTA (Korean US Free trade agreement) within this year.April 20, 2008 Full Text of S. Korea-U.S. Summit Statement https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/ROKUSSummitFullTextApr08.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20180207005004/https://asiafoundation.org/resources/pdfs/ROKUSSummitFullTextApr08.pdf February 7, 2018 April 11, 2025 Demonstrators accused Lee of reversing the ban on imports of U.S. beef in haste, giving the U.S. unwarranted concessions, so that Korea would receive a favorable reception, particularly with respect to ratifying the proposed free trade agreement. The demonstrators said Lee had abandoned his duty of care to the people of South Korea for political gain by ignoring their concern about BSE prion transmission and by lowering tariffs on imported beef.2008-06-25 Q&A: S Korea beef protests https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7457087.stm 2025-04-11 en-GBIglauer Philip 2011-09-06 Lee made beef deal before Bush talks in 2008 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20110906/lee-made-beef-deal-before-bush-talks-in-2008 2025-04-11 www.koreatimes.co.kr en Korea agreed to remove a 40% tariff on beef muscle meat imported from the U.S. for a period of 15 years. Korea could however, impose temporary tariffs if there was a surge of U.S. beef imports above specified levels.Foreign Press Centers https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/bureau-of-global-public-affairs/foreign-press-centers/ 2025-04-11 United States Department of State en-US The government's main reason for the concessions involved Lee's deal to sell Hyundai cars, as the former vice president of Hyundai Corporation.Jin Hyunjoo 2019-05-07 South Korea's Hyundai seen to weather U.S. trade deal https://uk.reuters.com/article/retire-us-korea-usa-trade-idUKTRE6B50V720101206 https://web.archive.org/web/20190507205825/https://uk.reuters.com/article/retire-us-korea-usa-trade-idUKTRE6B50V720101206 dead 2019-05-07 2025-04-11 Reuters "Mr. Lee hoped his decision to end the five-year-old ban on American beef would help win United States Congressional support for a free trade agreement between the countries. Congressional leaders have warned that they will never ratify the pact unless South Korea fully opens its market to American beef."https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/world/asia/10korea.html S. Korean Cabinet Offers to Quit After Beef Protests The New York Times 10 June 2008 Choe Sang-Hun MBC PD Note program On 27 April 2008, MBC televised a program called "Is American Beef Really Safe from Mad Cow Disease?" The program precipitated mass demonstrations. After a complaint was received from the South Korean agriculture ministry, the Seoul central prosecutors' office formed a team of five to investigate the program's content.https://archive.today/20130127065553/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2891646 "Prosecutors expanding probe into TV report". Ser, Myo-ja, staff reporter. 27 June 2008. Korea Joongang Daily. Retrieved 12 June 2012. Downer cows Downer cows are animals presented for slaughter that are sick or unable to walk. One of many causes for a downer is BSE. MBC was criticised for broadcasting footage of downer cows with translated subtitles that suggested they suffered from BSE, whereas they were filmed because of animal cruelty concerns, not BSE.https://archive.today/20130126202607/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2892992 "Prosecutors say PD Diary deliberately twisted facts." Ser, Myo-ja, staff reporter. 30 July 2008. Retrieved 12 June 2008. Aretha Vinson Aretha Vinson was a 21-year-old student at Virginia State University. She died on 9 April 2008 of Wernicke's encephalopathy.Food Safety Daily News - FoodHACCP http://www.foodhaccp.com/1news/040809k.html 2025-04-11 www.foodhaccp.com The MBC broadcast showed footage of Vinson's mother speaking about her daughter's illness. Translated subtitles suggested Vinson had vCJD, but that was only one initial diagnostic possibility. Risk of US beef to South Korea Concerns that some commentators raised about the program included, MBC's statements about a genetic vulnerability of Koreans to CJD;May 9, 2008 Mad Cow Thesis Twisted Out of All Proportion https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/05/09/2008050961017.html 2025-04-11 조선일보 ko the US exporting cattle over 30 months old to Korea rather than selling it to the domestic market;May 7, 2008 The Medium Is the Monster, by Yang Sang-hoon https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/05/07/2008050761023.html 2025-04-11 조선일보 ko and, the risk of contracting CJD by consuming beef products such as powdered soup base in instant noodles, cosmetics, and gelatin medication.June 27, 2008 What To Do About Media Fabrications https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2008/06/27/2008062761027.html 2025-04-11 조선일보 ko Reaction to PD Note Demonstrations involving tens of thousands of people began shortly after the first broadcast, and increased when MBC aired another segment two weeks later. Korean Communications Commission MBC became the subject of legal action. On 12 August 2008, the Korea Communications Commission called for MBC to apologise to the public over misrepresentations made in the PD Note program.2008-08-13 MBC Offers Apology Over US Beef Report - The Korea Times https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080813/mbc-offers-apology-over-us-beef-report 2025-04-11 www.koreatimes.co.kr en MBC apologised in a two-minute broadcast, conceding that six translation errors had been made and that downer cattle had been mistakenly identified as suffering from BSE. MBC versus Government The government of South Korea directed its prosecutors office to investigate alleged actions of the MBC including mis-representations made by the PD Note program; aggravation of civil unrest; and, defamation of the minister for agriculture. In June 2009, four producers and one writer were indicted on the charges.South Korea - Amnesty International Report 2010 Amnesty International https://www.amnesty.org/en/region/south-korea/report-2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20140611041322/http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/south-korea/report-2010 2014-06-11 2025-04-11 www.amnesty.org en In January 2010, the MBC staff were exonerated by judges of the Seoul central district court.2016-01-27 Court Declares MBC Not Guilty on Mad Cow Report in 2008 https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/03/117_59384.html https://web.archive.org/web/20160127033033/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/03/117_59384.html dead 2016-01-27 2025-04-11 The supreme court upheld the findings. 2011-09-02 Supreme Court clears 'PD Notebook' of distortion https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10347134 2025-04-11 The Korea Herald en "Candlelight" demonstrations thumb|250px|Stacked shipping containers in downtown Seoul blocking Sejong avenue, which leads to the South Korean Presidential residence the Blue House. Photo taken on 12 June 2008. thumb|250px|Mass protesters occupied Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. Photo taken on 6 June 2008. thumb|250px|Internet news media Ohmynews broadcasting live protest in the street. Some commentators argue that there is a long-held and perpetual "culture of protest" in South Korea involving groups ranging from anarchists to social reformers.Matt 2008-06-13 Gusts Of Popular Feeling: The Herald on candlelight rallies in 2002 and 2008 http://populargusts.blogspot.com/2008/06/herald-on-candlelight-rallies-in-2002.html 2025-04-11 Gusts Of Popular FeelingSee reliable sources list on WP:KO/RS March 2025 Anti US beef protests began on 24 May 2008. After the MBC PD Note broadcast, the US beef protests in Seoul increased. A three-day demonstration held in relay took place from 5 June 2008 to 7 June 2008.Kang Shin-who 2008-06-05 Citizens, Students, Unionists Start 3-Day Rally https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080605/citizens-students-unionists-start-3-day-rally 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en Attendance peaked on the evening of 10 June 2008, (80,000 protestors in attendance) before declining. "No more U.S. beef: 80-thousand people protested against U.S. beef in Seoul." 6 November 2008. ABC news. Retrieved 16 June 2012. Influence of social media Internet and text messaging also assisted in publicising the movement. With ready access to social media, among the first to protest were teenage schoolgirls. A teenage schoolgirl holding a lit candle became the symbol of the anti-US beef protests.June 12, 2008 Ill met by candlelight https://www.economist.com/asia/2008/06/12/ill-met-by-candlelight 2025-04-11 The Economist 0013-0613 Comments made by some protestors had little basis in science.September 2024 medicmedic "South Korean Internet catches "mad cow madness"" Jon Herskovitz and Rhee So-eui. Reuters. 13 June 2008. Retrieved 14 June 2012. The demonstrators After the initial demonstration, the area in front of Seoul's city hall, as well as the adjoining streets, were occupied by demonstrators. Early in the protest, a festival like atmosphere prevailed as protesters of all walks of life, built a makeshift tent city on the lawn at Seoul Plaza.Rahn Kim 2008-06-06 Gone Is Solemnity at Rallies https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080606/gone-is-solemnity-at-rallies 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en However, some massive, disruptive and sometimes aggressive demonstrations and street marches were held each night, particularly at weekends.Rahn Kim 2008-06-15 Seoul Plaza Suffering Under Mass Rallies https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080615/seoul-plaza-suffering-under-mass-rallies 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en Thus, the protest had two faces: more peaceful during the day and more violent at night.Rahn Kim 2008-06-08 Anti-US Beef Rallies Have Two Faces https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080608/anti-us-beef-rallies-have-two-faces 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en About 200 protestors required hospital treatment. "Over 200 injured in S. Korea beef protests." AFP. 29 June 2008. Retrieved 15 June 2012. Resulting in over 200 injuries and over 1,000 arrests,December 13, 2005 United States Urges Japan To Stay Engaged on Beef Standards http://seoul.usembassy.gov/econ20051213.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100528033932/https://seoul.usembassy.gov/econ20051213.html 28 May 2010 7 May 2019 Embassy of the United States Seoul, Korea the issue had far-reaching effects, including a large outcry from groups philosophically opposed to civil disobedience. "Police estimated that 60,000 people, including 7,000 monks clad in gray Buddhist garb, gathered in front of City Hall in Seoul."2008-08-27 Tens of thousands of monks rally in Seoul against alleged discrimination https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/world/asia/27iht-skorea.2.15683154.html 2025-04-11 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Police action On 1 June 2008, police took action to control demonstrators. Buses and shipping containers were used to halt the progress of street marches. A barrier of shipping containers were erected across Sejong-Ro to stop marchers from reaching Cheongwadae (office and residence of the president). The protestors named the barrier, "Myung-bak's Fortress" and decorated it with leaflets and large Korean flags. They photographed themselves standing on the barrier. It was dismantled several days later without conflict.Park Si-soo 2008-06-11 Container Barricade Draws Spotlight https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080611/container-barricade-draws-spotlight 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en Water cannons were used to suppress protestors. Some demonstrators were detained for questioning.2008-05-25 South Koreans protest U.S. beef imports https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna24818417 2025-04-11 NBC News enKim Tae-jong 2008-06-10 Container Barricade Blocks Demonstrators https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080610/container-barricade-blocks-demonstrators 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en The Amnesty International reported that: The protests were for the most part peaceful and given its size and duration, both the protesters and the police showed notable organization and restraint. However, there were sporadic incidents of violence, as riot police and protesters clashed. The two main flashpoints of violence occurred on 31 May/1 June, when the police first used water cannons, tear gas, and fire extinguishers, and 28/29 June, the weekend following the government's announcement that US beef imports would resume. The decision to use water cannons and fire extinguishers contributed to the mass resignation of all 14 members of the Korean National Police Agency's human rights committee.2008-10-06 South Korea: Policing the Candlelight Protests in South Korea https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa25/008/2008/en/ 2025-04-11 Amnesty International en Other forms of protest Several workers' unions went on strike to show their opposition to the beef import. One of them is the Korean Metal Workers' Union, which represents workers at 240 companies, including the country's four major automakers. On 2 July, they went on a two-hour strike to demand a new beef deal and better working conditions. On 6 July, the Catholic Priests' Association for Justice, an influential religious group known for its struggle against the dictatorships, lead an outdoor Mass to lend its moral support to the protesters.Choe Sang-Hun 2008-06-30 Beef Protest Turns Violent in South Korea en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/30/world/asia/30korea.html 2023-02-17 0362-4331 Effects of the protests thumb|right|250px|A fast food restaurant in Seoul reassuring customers that they are using "clean beef from Australia". Korean government The approval rating of Lee fell below 20%. Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and other cabinet members submitted their resignations to President Lee.Sang-Hun Choe 2008-06-10 S. Korean Cabinet Offers to Quit After Beef Protests https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/world/asia/10korea.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin 2025-04-11 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 On 22 May and then again on 18 June 2008, Lee apologised for ignoring public health concerns.June 2, 2008 S.Korea delays resumption of U.S. beef imports https://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSSEO20019820080602/ April 11, 2025 Reuters Lee said, I should have paid attention to what people want. Sitting on a hill near Cheongwadae on the night of 10 June, watching the candlelight vigil, I blamed myself for not serving the people better. Lee also delayed the announcement of any further relaxation of beef importation rules, for example, importation of meat from cattle over 30 months of age. On 2 July 2008, Han Seung-soo, Prime Minister of South Korea bought 260,000 South Korean won (roughly US$230–$260) worth of U.S. steak to eat with his family at his official residence to alleviate public worries about U.S. beef. The same amount of Korean beef would have cost approximately 800,000 South Korean won (roughly $700–$800, three times more expensive than imported U.S. beef).Seoul struggles to defuse US beef protests https://www.ft.com/content/4fc507ec-4852-11dd-a851-000077b07658 2025-04-11 www.ft.com en-GB United States On 22 June 2008, an American trade envoy headed by Susan C. Schwab, agreed with the Korean prime minister and agriculture minister to limit the export of meat to that from carcasses of cattle less than 30 months old with government certification of their age and to allow Korea to inspect a sample of U.S. slaughterhouses. The agreement also included the banning of importation to Korea of meat from cattle organs considered high risk for transmission of the BSE prion such as brains, eyes, skulls and spinal cord. Schwab said, We look forward to safe, affordable, high-quality American beef – the same beef enjoyed by hundreds of millions of U.S. consumers and people in countries around the world – soon arriving on Korean tables.Sang-Hun Choe 2008-06-22 South Korea and U.S. Reach Deal on Beef Imports https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/world/asia/22korea.html 2025-04-11 The New York Times en-US 0362-4331 Tom Casey, deputy spokesman at the U.S. State Department rejected the notion that the U.S. had bullied S. Korea into removing the 2003 ban on U.S. beef imports and said, [The U.S. and S. Korea] have a long history of military and security cooperation. I don't think this or any other individual issues are going to change the fundamental relations (between the two countries).2008-07-01 US Reconfirms Strong Alliance with S. Korea Despite Beef Crisis https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20080701/us-reconfirms-strong-alliance-with-s-korea-despite-beef-crisis 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en From December 2009 to December 2010 the US meat export federation (USMEF) used a 3 phase project called, "To trust". It was an image campaign, designed to increase the trust of Koreans in US beef. It depicted three women who were mothers and homemakers. One was a rancher, one a scientist and one a food safety inspector. https://web.archive.org/web/20120129061558/http://www.beefissuesquarterly.com/free-tradeagreementwillsupportusbeefrecoveryinsouthkorea.aspx 29 January 2012 "Free trade agreement will support US beef recovery in South Korea." Halstrom, Dan. Senior vice president of global marketing & communications – U.S. meat export federation. Beef issues quarterly 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012. Hi! Seoul festival In 2009, a small number of demonstrators commemorated the anniversary of the 2008 protests. They forcibly occupied the Hi! Seoul Festival stage in front of the city hall in central Seoul. The police removed the protestors.April 2025 Commentators Kim Dae-joong (not to be confused with former Korean President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Kim Dae-jung), a columnist at the Korea Times, wrote in his editorial piece: "It amounts to double-crossing to be really fond of America in all substantive matters, while bad-mouthing America in public protests."Huer John 2008-05-25 Beef and Anti-Americanism https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20080525/beef-and-anti-americanism 2025-04-11 The Korea Times en US beef imports in South Korea On 1 July 2008, U.S. beef imports resumed. In 2009, the US exported 141 million lbs of beef to South Korea worth $215 million. https://web.archive.org/web/20120611042414/http://www.ers.usda.gov/news/BSECoverage.htm 11 June 2012 "U.S. beef and cattle industry: background statistics and information." 25 April 2012. Economic Research Service. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 15 June 2012 In 2017, the United States became the top beef exporter to South Korea, with a record of sending 177,445 tonnes.https://www.reuters.com/article/us-southkorea-usa-beef/u-s-regains-status-as-top-beef-exporter-to-south-korea-idUSKBN1F40OW U.S. regains status as top beef exporter to South Korea 15 January 2018 Reuters See also Bovine spongiform encephalopathy South Korea – United States Free Trade Agreement Lee Myung-bak United States beef imports in South Korea US beef imports in Japan US beef imports in Taiwan References External links South Korean Protests over U.S. Beef The Big Picture Boston.com (Boston Globe). Mad Cow Hysteria Breen, Michael. The Korea Times. Q&A: Korea beef protests BBC News. https://archive.today/20130218073044/http://qindex.info/Q_incld/drctry.php?id=politician&ctgry=767 Collection of news, photos and videos el Facts about American beef, Embassy of the United States in Seoul. Category:Foreign trade of South Korea Category:Left-wing politics in South Korea Category:South Korea–United States relations Category:Beef Category:Political controversies Us Beef Protest in South Korea, 2008 US beef protest in South Korea Category:May 2008 in South Korea Category:June 2008 in South Korea Category:July 2008 in South Korea Category:Anti-American sentiment in South Korea