Korean Federation of Trade Unions Forms Fact-Finding Committee Over 'Executives Receiving Hundreds of Millions' Allegations

The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) formed an internal fact-finding committee on the 2nd regarding allegations that an FKTU executive received several hundred million won from the National Construction Industry Labor Union (Construction Union).

At a meeting held that afternoon, the FKTU announced that it had formed the fact-finding committee and would convene an emergency sectoral representatives meeting on the morning of the 8th to discuss response measures. In a statement, it also emphasized, "We have no intention of defending anyone, and if the reported content is proven true, we will strongly respond in principle."

Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Office Photo by Yonhap News

The FKTU stated, "Since a new executive team has been formed, we will immediately conduct a thorough internal investigation into this incident," adding, "We will convene a sectoral representatives meeting to organize the FKTU's position on this matter and take appropriate measures."

Earlier, the Chosun Ilbo reported that Kang Mo, who was the FKTU senior vice chairman, proposed in September last year to a fellow FKTU executive, Mr. A, that "the Construction Union is giving 300 million won; let's split 100 million won each and use the remaining 100 million won for the federation chairman election scheduled for January 2023," and obtained related audio recordings.

The media reported that Kang met Mr. A in Haengju Fortress, Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, in the same month and handed over an envelope that appeared to contain cash, but Mr. A refused.

The audio recordings released by the Chosun Ilbo include a conversation where Kang repeatedly urges the refusing Mr. A, saying, "I'm giving it to you, so why hesitate? You're talking nonsense. Just take it for now," while Mr. A responds, "No, hyung," rejecting the offer.

Kang stepped down from his position as FKTU senior vice chairman on the 28th of last month following the election of a new executive team but still retains his position as chairman of the affiliated federation.

On the same day, Kang reportedly told the FKTU, "The reported content is completely untrue," and expressed the view that "It seems to be a slanderous act by Mr. A, who was sued during the chairman election process, to have the lawsuit withdrawn."

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