'Violent Rally in Front of the National Assembly' Kim Myung-hwan, Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, First Trial Verdict Today

Sentencing at 11 AM for Charges Including Obstruction of Official Duties
Prosecution Demands 4 Years, Saying "Must Express Within Legal Boundaries"
Chairman Kim Says "Prosecution's Indictment Is Excessive"

Democratic Labor Union Chairman Kim Myung-hwan held a general strike rally in front of the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 18th, condemning the government while shouting slogans such as blocking labor reform, securing basic labor rights, abolishing irregular workers, reforming conglomerates, denouncing the abolition of the 10,000 won minimum wage, and crushing labor oppression. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The first trial verdict for Kim Myung-hwan, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), who was indicted for leading illegal rallies in front of the National Assembly, will be held on the 23rd.

The Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 11 (Chief Judge Lee Hwan-seung) will conduct the sentencing hearing for Kim’s charges, including obstruction of official duties, at 11 a.m. that day.

Kim is accused of leading illegal protests by union members, including assaulting police officers, during rallies opposing the expansion of flexible working hours held in front of the National Assembly in May 2018 and March last year.

In June last year, the police applied for an arrest warrant for Kim, citing concerns about flight risk and evidence tampering, and the court issued the warrant. Subsequently, Kim requested a detention review, and the court decided to release him conditionally upon payment of a 100 million won bond, lifting his detention status.

Earlier, at the prosecution’s sentencing hearing held on the 3rd of last month, they stated, "While various opinions can be expressed under the principles of democracy, it must be done within the bounds of the law," and requested a four-year prison sentence for Kim.

Kim’s defense attorney stated, "Regarding the charges of obstruction of official duties and causing injury during official duties, there is no causal relationship to injury nor conspiracy in the case of May 21, 2018. Likewise, no conspiracy was established for April 2 and 3, 2019," adding, "Especially on the 3rd, the defendant clashed with police after being arrested."

They also criticized, "There is nothing in the prosecution’s indictment about why the KCTU organized the rally or what message they intended to convey."

After the sentencing hearing at that time, Kim expressed his position, saying, "I believe the prosecution’s indictment is excessive."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.