<Anchor>

Mass demonstrations are underway in Hong Kong as scheduled for the afternoon of the 18th. That's why we have to completely repeal the law of repatriation, which made it possible to send criminals to other countries, which raises concerns that it could be used to deliver human rights activists or dissidents to China. Tense tensions circulate because China is waiting for troops 10 minutes away.

First, let's take a look at the situation so far, reporters reporter Chung Dong-yeon sent to Hong Kong.

<Reporter>

Hong Kong citizens gathered in downtown Hong Kong, calling for democracy.

[Free to Hong Kong! Freedom to Hong Kong!]

It started with the withdrawal of criminal extradition legislation, but now more fundamental needs are expressed.

[Hong Kong citizens: demand democratic vote. We would like to vote for our representative through our vote.]

It doesn't matter if the Chinese central government warns of direct intervention.

[Hong Kong citizen: Chinese army can come. If they come here we can go somewhere else for a while. I'm not afraid of it. It's just a threat. I do not worry.]

As citizens gathered more and more into gathering points, police took control of the protesters before they started.

The police put down the police line and strictly controlled the protesters to prevent them from marching in Victoria Park.

Hong Kong media say the two sides, under the pressure of violent protests, are refraining from excessive action.

Protesters continued to march through the city as the police marched.

The organizers say they are marching across the city after the Victoria Park rally.

<Anchor>

I've summarized the situation a while ago and I'm going to Hong Kong. By Jung Dong-yeon, what is the situation now?

<Reporter>

The protests began here at 3:00 pm in Victoria Park in Hong Kong.

Police struck the police line around the park and took strict control before the protests began.

The demonstrators pass by here at Wan Chai, where I am, except today that there are no main marches and the demonstrators are free to roam the city.

<Anchor>

I'm talking about acting here and there at the same time, but it's not easy to estimate how many people are out of the street.

<Reporter>

So far, the organizers of the Hong Kong protests have not made clear the number of protesters.

However, Victoria Park, where the protests began, can accommodate up to 200,000 people, including 250,000 to 300,000 people before the march.

And considering the size of the citizens who joined after the march began, it seems to me that at least half a million and up to a million people attended the march today.

<Anchor>

The biggest worry is the safety of the citizens looking back now. I'm at peace now, do you hear anything on the scene?

<Reporter>

As you said, since the police weren't able to march today, there were many prospects that the conflicts between the two sides were actually inevitable.

But today, unlike the prospects, there is no big collision between the two sides.

It is also true that the organizers have been burdened with violent protests.

Hong Kong media say protesters have announced that they are planning to march today without running a big Buddha, like water.

The police say they were not allowed to march, but local media say the protesters have said they will not crack down if they do not use violence first.

However, it seems that we have to watch the situation a little more because violent protests have been taking place from late night to early morning so far.

(Video Coverage: Installation)