[Yang Kyung-soo Arrested] Committing Illegal Acts... Minnocho Threatens General Strike in October

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Yang Kyung-soo, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), who is accused of leading large-scale rallies in downtown Seoul, was arrested on the 2nd. It has been 20 days since the court issued the arrest warrant. Chairman Yang and the KCTU opposed the arrest and announced plans for a general strike in October and intensified protests against the government.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's July 3 Illegal Rally Investigation Headquarters deployed 100 investigators from 41 units around 5:28 a.m. to the KCTU office located in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, and secured Chairman Yang's custody. It was reported that Chairman Yang complied with the warrant execution and expressed his willingness to accompany the authorities.

Around 6:29 a.m., Chairman Yang left the office building and boarded the transport vehicle, saying, "Please prepare diligently for the general strike in October." After the deployment of police personnel that day, KCTU officials attempted to enter the KCTU building, leading to a scuffle with police controlling the nearby area, but no major clashes occurred. Chairman Yang was detained at the Jongno Police Station detention center in Seoul. A police official stated, "He will be transferred after additional investigation."

Chairman Yang is accused of leading several illegal rallies in downtown Seoul from May to July this year. An arrest warrant was issued by the court on the 13th of last month on charges including violation of the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act. The police attempted to execute the arrest warrant during a KCTU press conference on the 18th of last month, but were unable to enter the office building as Chairman Yang's side refused to comply and left.

The KCTU defined Chairman Yang's arrest as a "declaration of war." The KCTU stated, "The general strike scheduled for the 20th of next month is a signal for a major transformation of Korean society. We will repay with the organization and success of a powerful general strike struggle," adding, "The forced detention of the chairman will further ignite the anger of workers on the ground." If the KCTU proceeds with the general strike and large-scale rallies, there are concerns about public anxiety over the spread of COVID-19 as well as economic and social damages such as production disruptions at workplaces.

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