'Arrest Warrant Issued' Yang Kyung-soo, Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, "Police Investigated but Warrant Is Unfair"

October General Strike Plan... "Largest Struggle Since 1987"

Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), who was issued an arrest warrant for leading large-scale rallies in violation of quarantine guidelines in downtown Seoul, is holding a press conference at the KCTU office in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 18th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), announced plans for a historic-scale general strike in October. Chairman Yang is currently under an arrest warrant issued for leading large-scale rallies from May to July.

On the 18th, Chairman Yang held a press conference at the KCTU office in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, stating, "Although I cooperated with the police investigation and admitted to legal violations during the rallies, I feel it is unfair that they insist on arresting me unconditionally," and added, "I will do my best as the chairman representing 1.1 million union members for the workers." He also said, "I cannot avoid the execution of the warrant forever," and "(At some point) I will comply with the warrant execution."

Chairman Yang said, "If the government is willing to resolve workers' issues, I am willing to have my personal matters judged according to the law," indicating that he might comply with judicial procedures depending on the government's attitude.

The KCTU also announced plans to proceed with a general strike on October 20, aiming for the participation of all 1.1 million union members. He stated, "This general strike will be the largest since the 1987 struggle," and "It will be the biggest gathering of various workers, including those in healthcare, construction, and subway sectors."

Chairman Yang emphasized that the right to assembly and demonstration is a constitutional fundamental right that must be respected. He said, "It is contradictory to say that public health is more important than assembly and demonstration," and "All values guaranteed by the constitution should be respected equally."

Chairman Yang was issued an arrest warrant on the 13th for allegedly leading several illegal rallies, including the National Workers' Rally held on the 3rd of last month in the Jongno area of Seoul. He is currently staying at the KCTU office to avoid police arrest.

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