Democratic Labor Union Public Transport Workers' Union 10,000-Person Rally in Yeouido... Police Immediately Launch Investigation (Comprehensive)

On the afternoon of the 27th, a rally condemning the Cargo Solidarity and the government ruling party is being held near Yeouido Station in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] The Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), held a general rally in Yeouido on the 27th.

The Public Service and Transport Workers' Union began the general rally around 2 p.m. in the Yeouido area with about 10,000 participants. They are demanding the elimination of inequality in the public sector and the expansion of basic labor rights.

Hyun Jeong-hee, chairperson of the Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, criticized the government in her opening speech, saying, "The labor pledges promised to us by this government, such as a minimum wage of 10,000 won, the regularization of non-regular workers, the proper enactment of the Serious Accident Punishment Act, and the realization of labor respect, have not been properly kept."

She added, "Through today's general rally, we will embark on a relentless long march of struggle to expand social publicness and basic labor rights until next year's presidential and local elections."

On the same day, the National Education Public Officials Headquarters held a pre-rally at noon in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, the National Democratic Post Office Headquarters gathered in front of Gwanghwamun Post Office, and the Cargo Solidarity Headquarters and Public Institution Headquarters held a pre-rally near Yeouido at 1 p.m., assembling in an orderly manner according to prior announcements before the main rally.

Earlier, the Seoul Metropolitan Government and police prohibited the Yeouido rally citing concerns over the spread of COVID-19. The Seoul Administrative Court also dismissed the Public Service and Transport Workers' Union's request for suspension of the assembly ban, but the union ultimately decided to proceed with the rally.

The sudden rally caused traffic congestion in the Yeouido area. However, measures such as trains passing through subway stations without stopping or traffic control in the area were not implemented. There were no clashes with the police on site, and the organizers reportedly will not hold a march after the rally.

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Illegal Protest Investigation Headquarters announced on the day, "We have started an investigation into the rally organizers and key participants on charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act," adding, "We will immediately request the attendance of organizers and key participants responsible for illegal acts and conduct a swift and strict investigation through analysis of evidence materials."

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