They included the Pusan Headquarters of the south Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, the Women's Society and the Youth Association.

The joint military exercises can be a fuse for a war, they said, demanding an immediate halt to the exercises.

They accused the south Korean military authorities of making a very dangerous reckless remark that they would not rule out a war.

World War II broke out without a previous notice, they noted, adding if any trifling action that can lead to a war is allowed to proceed, it will bring about an irretrievable consequence.

They called on the people of different social strata throughout south Korea to choose the way for peace against war at a crossroad of war or peace.

The gathering was followed by a demo of its participants.