Former KCTU Chairman Kim Myung-hwan Convicted with Suspended Sentence for 'Violent Rally in Front of National Assembly'

Former Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Kim Myunghwan / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] Former Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Chairman Kim Myunghwan (55), who was indicted for leading violent protests in front of the National Assembly, has had his suspended prison sentence upheld by the Supreme Court.

On the 12th, the Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Jo Jaeyeon) announced that it upheld the lower court's ruling sentencing Kim, who was indicted on charges including obstruction of official duties, to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 4-year suspension.

Previously, Kim was prosecuted for 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 of the following year.

In court, Kim's defense argued, "Why did the KCTU organize the rally?" and "There is no content in the prosecution's indictment regarding what message they intended to convey."

The first and second trials sentenced Kim to 2 years and 6 months in prison with a 4-year suspension and also ordered 160 hours of community service.

The first trial court stated, "The National Assembly is the representative institution of the people and must comprehensively represent the will of all citizens; it cannot represent only the KCTU's will. Nevertheless, the defendant held illegal protests with the intent to exert pressure because the National Assembly was setting policies contrary to the KCTU's demands."

The second trial court also emphasized, "The defendant did not make efforts to conduct the rally peacefully while leading it, nor did he prevent clashes with police officers. Compared to the advanced culture of assembly in our society, where many participants peacefully conclude large-scale rallies, the illegality of this rally is justly subject to criticism."

The Supreme Court agreed with these judgments. The court stated, "The lower court did not err in its legal interpretation regarding the power of groups or crowds and conspiracy relationships," and dismissed Kim's appeal.

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