'140,000 Gathering' A religious group rally in downtown Seoul...severe congestion forecast

[Anchor]
Today (27th), a religious group rally will be held in downtown Seoul, where hundreds of thousands of people gather.

Extreme traffic congestion is expected as the police control major roads in Gwanghwamun and Seoul Station in preparation for the event.

I'm connecting with the reporter.

Reporter Yoon Woong-sung, what time will the rally be held today?

[Reporter]
Yes, it's being announced from 1:30 p.m. today.

The Korean Church Association, a Protestant group, will hold a joint service from Gwanghwamun Square to Seoul Station to mark the 507th anniversary of the Reformation.

In July, the Supreme Court will condemn the recognition of same-sex spouses in common-law relations as dependents on health insurance, and voice opposition to the enactment of anti-discrimination laws and legislation of same-sex marriage.

The number of attendees registered until last Thursday is 610,000 and today, the day of the event, is expected to reach up to 1 million, which is expected to cause major congestion.

Police have entered an emergency system due to the prospect of a large crowd in the center of downtown Seoul.

Police believe that there are about 140,000 people attending, but they cannot rule out the possibility of getting bigger and have controlled major roads where the rally has been predicted since early this morning.

Police have restricted vehicle traffic from early this morning on the section between Gwanghwamun and Seoul Station on Sejong-daero, the main rally site where the organizers set up the stage, and the section of the Seoul Bridge from the southern end of Yeouido Bridge.

Depending on the situation, we plan to expand the control section from Yulgok-ro Anguk Station to Gwanghwamun Intersection, Uiju Rotary in Seosomun-ro to City Hall, and from City Hall to Euljiro Entrance.

I'll show you the situation while watching real-time CCTV.

■ Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul

First, Gwanghwamun Square.

The lane toward Seoul Station has been completely blocked.

You can see a big performance stage.

There are also large electronic boards that illuminate the performance stage at certain distances.

■Seoul City Hall

Next is near Seoul City Hall.

Likewise, the one-way lane is controlled.

The flow of the vehicle has been slow since early morning as we shared the other lane.

■ southern end of Mapo Bridge in Seoul

Lastly, it's Yeouido.

Large vehicles have blocked lanes adjacent to Yeouido Park and an electronic display has been built.

The police urged drivers to use public transportation such as subways today as much as possible, and to check real-time traffic information in advance.

I'm YTN Yoon Woong Sung.