Yeo Leadership: "Collective Action at Jeon Tae-il Rally Should Be Restrained... There Is No Conservative or Progressive in Quarantine"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy reporters Wondara and Jeon Jinyoung] The leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea urged restraint in collective actions such as rallies organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of martyr Jeon Tae-il.

On the morning of the 13th at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, Democratic Party leader Lee Nak-yeon said, "The KCTU plans to hold rallies nationwide this weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of martyr Jeon Tae-il," adding, "I hope they will refrain from large-scale gatherings. There is no distinction between conservatives and progressives when it comes to quarantine."

Kim Tae-nyeon, the floor leader of the Democratic Party, also said, "Progressive groups plan to hold rallies across the country," emphasizing, "In particular, a large-scale rally with 1,500 participants is planned in Gwangju. While the freedom of assembly must be respected, collective actions that could cause the spread of infectious diseases should be restrained."

He continued, "If COVID-19 spreads as a result of tomorrow’s rally, the organizers will be held fully responsible," and urged, "Quarantine authorities and local governments should respond strongly and consistently according to the same standards and principles if illegal urban rallies occur."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party leadership announced that they will continue efforts to protect the rights of platform workers and special employment workers in relation to the 50th anniversary of Jeon Tae-il. Leader Lee said, "Looking back after 50 years, we feel ashamed of our current reality," adding, "Inequality, unfairness, and irrationality still exist everywhere in this land."

He added, "We must reaffirm our determination to realize a society that respects labor today," emphasizing, "Although the party, government, and 청 (Cheong) yesterday prepared various measures to protect essential workers and platform workers with special employment status, that alone is not enough. We will strive harder to enhance labor rights, eliminate discrimination, and strengthen social safety nets for vulnerable workers."

He then made a proposal: "The Jeon Tae-il Memorial Project Association plans to install plaques on Jeon Tae-il Street at Cheonggyecheon in Seoul by December. We hope our party will also participate in this movement. I ask for the active participation of lawmakers, party officials, and party members."

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