SEOUL, May 31 (Korea Bizwire) — The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) organized a rally on Wednesday at 4 p.m. along Sejong-daero in Seoul, with the participation of over 20,000 union members.
During the rally, the union voiced criticism against the government and police, demanding an end to union repression and labor reform. They also called for an apology from the government regarding the death of Yang Hoe-dong, who tragically self-immolated in protest against labor repression. Additionally, the union advocated for amendments to Articles 2-3 of the Trade Union Act.
Prior to joining the rally on Sejong-daero, the construction and metalworkers’ unions held separate rallies and resolutions near the presidential office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and in front of the Seodaemun-gu police station, respectively. These events took place from 2 p.m. onwards.
Although there were no significant physical clashes or instances of capsaicin spraying by the police, the atmosphere at the rally remained tense throughout. Tensions escalated momentarily during a speech by the KCTU when the police repeatedly tested the microphone volume, cautioning against any interference with the legal assembly and demonstration.
Following the rally, attendees diligently cleaned up the area, resulting in a peaceful conclusion to today’s event without any major clashes with the police.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
