Separately, the NIS officials testified before lawmakers Tuesday that they had found 10 South Koreans closely linked to the Islamic State group. The spy agency said that the Korean sympathizers had made specific inquiries with the terrorist networks about how to enter Syria and join the group.

“They were not just praising IS, but had close ties with IS,” said Rep. Joo Ho-young of the ruling Saenuri Party, who attended the meeting.

Park, meanwhile, also took time to criticize the Nov. 14 rally by labor unions, activists, teachers and students against government policies, calling it “illegal violence.” Tens of participants and police were injured and one protester remains in critical condition after the rally that had gathered around 68,000 in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, according to police statistics.

Park questioned the motives of some of the protesters, saying there were those who called for the resurrection of a minor party that was disbanded last year by the Constitutional Court for plotting against the state.

“Rallies where (protesters) wear face masks should especially be banned,” Park said, referring to a relevant bill recently presented by the ruling Saenuri Party as part of the measures to block violent protests.

“Isn’t that how IS does it right now? Hiding their faces ...,” Park said.

“Illegal violence is an attempt to deny the rule of law and neutralize the government’s role. We found evidence that the Nov. 14 protest was meticulously orchestrated by those illegal groups who often use violence during a protest. ... We will bring to justice those who incite violence behind the scenes,” said Park.

Police over the weekend raided the office of the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions and found hammers, ladders and other devices and documents that allegedly show the organization members premediated their attack against authorities.

Park went on to demand prompt passage of economy-related bills the government claims will boost the nation’s faltering economy. She also urged the Assembly to approve the ratification of Korea-China free trade agreement.

The main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy lambasted Park’s remark, saying the president was declaring war against the people and the legislative body.

“No matter how displeased she may have felt (over the protests), it is shocking that a president would compare her own people to IS members,” said NPAD spokeswoman Rep. Yoo Eun-hae.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)