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Anti-American sentiment seems to be surging again among Korean students and civil rights activists following a string of incidents involving U.S. Forces Korea, most notably a bombing by a U.S. fighter that injured civilians and damaged a large number of homes.

Observers said the mood is somewhat reminiscent of the 80s, when anti-American feelings sometimes led to tense protests by students, some of whom burned U.S. flags.

On May 9, three university students leaped into the U.S. Embassy compound and staged a 10-minute protest to condemn the United States for its alleged role in civilian massacres during the Korean War. About 90 others cheered their fellow students on at the rear of the embassy.

But while the protests of the 80s were largely a show of disapproval over Washington's support of authoritarian governments, recent campaigns have focused on human rights issues.

Civic groups are calling for a U.S. apology and restitution in some cases for recent incidents that include the accidental bombing by a U.S. fighter at a training range in Maehyang-ri, Kyonggi Province, and the temporary escape of a U.S. soldier charged with the murder of a barmaid.

They are also demanding a thorough probe into alleged civilian massacres by U.S. troops during the Korean War and suspicions that depleted uranium bullets were used at the Koon-ni Range, where the bombing mishap took place.

Spearheading the anti-American movement is the People's Action for Reform of the Unjust R.O.K.-U.S. SOFA, an alliance of some 30 civic groups who share the common aim of correcting "inequalities" in the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

The civic coalition, led by such influential civilian groups as the People's Coalition for Economic Justice and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, has an aggressive protest agenda scheduled for the rest of the month. Plans call for protest marches and visits to Chong Wa Dae and the American embassy, as well as a photo exhibition showing crimes by Americans.

"We demand the formation of an investigation team consisting of representatives of both governments, civic groups and locals to look into suspicions of the use of uranium bullets and conduct an epidemiological study of the people in affected areas," the coalition said yesterday.