Lee Jae-yong Paroled Release "Welcome" vs "Chaebol Privilege"... Citizens Gathered in Front of Seoul Detention Center [On-site Sketch]

Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who was released on parole after 207 days of re-imprisonment, is answering questions from the press in front of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province on the 13th. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung, Uiwang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] On the 13th, when Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong was released on parole for Liberation Day on August 15th after 207 days of re-incarceration, the area in front of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi Province, was crowded with a sea of people from three hours before his release. Supporters of Vice Chairman Lee, who said "We welcome and support (the release)," and opponents shouting "Chaebol privileges, no justice for the rich" clashed, turning the scene into chaos.

Conservative YouTuber Ahn Sookyung (44, YouTube channel 'Chuldong153'), who arrived in front of the detention center at 3 a.m. that day, said, "I hope Vice Chairman Lee works hard as a businessman without being swayed by the administration," adding, "The national economy is difficult and the spread of COVID-19 is serious, so I hope he conducts economic activities with conviction without being influenced by the government." She also expressed concern, saying, "Since this is parole and not a pardon, I worry that if he falls out of favor with the administration, he might end up back in detention."

On the morning of the 13th at 10 a.m., ahead of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's parole release on Liberation Day, supporters of Vice Chairman Lee and those opposing the parole gathered in front of the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Kim Dae-hyun

From 8 a.m., the situation worsened as the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Korean Metal Workers' Union held a 'Parole Condemnation Press Conference.' Han Sung-kyu, Vice Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, shouted, "The rule of law in the Republic of Korea has died under the Moon Jae-in administration. It confirmed that chaebols reign supreme." There were also citizens holding placards that read "Economic offenders should not be released."

Supporters and opponents shouted at each other, engaging in a tense standoff. At one point, some exchanged insults, nearly leading to a physical altercation.

Officials from Seoul Detention Center and the police demanded the dispersal of the large gathering, stating, "The metropolitan area is under social distancing level 4, and only solo protests are allowed." Police restrained those who crossed the police line or removed their masks.

From 9:55 a.m., as parolees began exiting the main gate of Seoul Detention Center, the atmosphere intensified. Police stood in two lines to prevent any unexpected incidents. Vice Chairman Lee came out last at 10:05 a.m. While he gave a brief interview to the press, supporters shouted in unison, "Lee Jae-yong, fighting!" and "Congratulations!" After he got into a car and left, the crowd in front of the detention center soon dispersed.

On the morning of the 13th at 10 a.m., supporters and opponents of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong engaged in a verbal dispute in front of Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, ahead of his early release on parole for Liberation Day. Photo by Kim Dae-hyun

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