Prime Minister Han Duck-soo: "Minnochoeng Construction Union Rally Damages Citizens' Daily Lives... Deeply Regrettable"

Meeting of Ministers Concerned with National Issues and Ministers Concerned with Public Security

On the 17th, members of the Construction Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) are camping out after the night before's general strike resolution rally at Cheonggye Plaza, Jung-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo recently criticized the rally held by the Construction Union of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minju Nochong), stating that he "deeply regrets that it seriously disrupted the peaceful daily lives of the majority of the public."

On the 19th, Prime Minister Han held a meeting of ministers in charge of state affairs and security, pointing out that "various illegal acts occurred during the Construction Union rally" and that "the rally continued past the permitted time of 5 PM under the name of a night cultural festival." He also criticized, "The police issued several lawful orders to disperse, which were ignored, and the participants even deviated from the pre-notified march route, occupying entire lanes of the road, causing significant inconvenience to citizens."

The Construction Union of Minju Nochong held a two-day general strike rally in downtown Seoul from the 16th to the 17th. The police stated that the rally organizers violated noise control orders and compliance requirements. During the rally, some participants camped near Seoul Plaza and sidewalks, restricting some traffic, and issues such as drinking, loud noise, and littering arose. After the rally, some participants who occupied the road beyond the permitted scope will face charges of obstructing general traffic.

Prime Minister Han emphasized, "As announced by the National Police Agency, the government will strictly hold accountable illegal rallies that exceed the scope permitted by the Constitution and laws," adding, "We also plan to devise institutional improvement measures for rallies and demonstrations that cause significant inconvenience to the daily lives of the majority of citizens."

He further explained, "Acts that impose one's extreme demands while infringing on the freedom and rights of others undermine the basic order of liberal democracy," and stressed, "We must cultivate a dignified and mature rally culture befitting our national stature as an advanced country."

Addressing the National Police Agency and related organizations, he instructed, "The National Police Agency and related organizations must clearly recognize that public safety is the top priority," and urged, "Please ensure there is no negligence in fulfilling the given authority and responsibilities."

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