A North Korean defector tried to set himself on fire in protest as the Olympic torch relay made its way through the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Sunday.
Chinese students are blocked by police officers as they try to march to anti-Beijing Olympic protesters near the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea, on Sunday. (Lee Jin-man/Associated Press)
Police arrested 45-year-old Son Jong Hoon, who had led an unsuccessful public campaign to save his brother from execution in the North, where he was accused of spying after the two met secretly in China.
About 8,000 police officers were deployed to protect the torch along its run through the streets of Seoul.
Many of the protesters were trying to raise awareness of China's treatment of North Korean refugees.
Pro-China supporters were also on hand, and clashed with those demonstrating against Beijing's policies. No injuries or arrests were reported following those skirmishes.
Hundreds of China supporters waving the Chinese flag greeted the torch, throwing rocks at anti-Beijing demonstrators.
Police ran alongside the flame, and rode horses and bicycles on the relay across the city, which hosted the 1988 Olympics.
Demonstrators supporting Tibetan culture in China also held a peaceful march in Seoul.
Activists have previously interrupted Olympic torch runs in London and Paris to protest China's policies in Tibet.
