The heads of some civic groups that had planned to stage mass rallies in central Seoul on October 3, National Foundation Day, have called off their gatherings.
On Thursday, the leaders including former Gyeonggi Governor Kim Moon-soo urged other groups to follow suit.
They said they will still hold rallies but in other formats, such as car parades, to "express their anger" toward the government.
The government has vowed stern action against those who push ahead with large demonstrations in violation of current social distancing guidelines.
Similar rallies that were held in mid-August have been blamed for the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in recent weeks.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
