Four Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Arrested for Assaulting Police... Seoul Police Agency "Prompt and Strict Investigation" (Comprehensive)

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency "Strict Investigation of 4 Union Members Who Assaulted Police"
Possibility of Additional Clashes at Night Rally Remains

A major clash occurred between the union and the police during the removal of the incense altar for the martyr Yang Hoe-dong, which was set up for the Construction Union's memorial cultural event. The police arrested four union members on the spot on charges of obstructing official duties.

On the 31st, union members affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held an all-out struggle rally in Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding an end to labor oppression and the resignation of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency: "4 Arrested for Obstructing Official Duties"... Strict Investigation of Illegal Acts

The Construction Union clashed with the police while setting up an incense altar on the sidewalk ahead of the memorial cultural event for martyr Yang Hoe-dong. The police repeatedly attempted to remove the tent on the road, citing it as illegal, but the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) protested against the removal. Accordingly, around 7 p.m., after informing the union members of their Miranda rights, the police arrested four union members.

Regarding this, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated, "Following the administrative request from the local district office, we blocked the tent installation, and during this process, four individuals who assaulted police officers were caught on the spot on charges of obstructing official duties and are under investigation."

They added, "Going forward, the police will promptly and strictly investigate illegal acts that cause significant inconvenience to citizens and disrupt public order."

On the 31st, union members affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a full-scale struggle rally in Taepyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding an end to labor oppression and the resignation of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration. Photo by Kang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

Vehicle Speed Drops to 11.4 km/h... Possibility of Additional Clashes

The KCTU held preliminary rallies at three locations in downtown Seoul at 2 p.m. and gathered at Daehanmun at 4 p.m. Due to the large-scale rallies and ongoing road controls, vehicle speeds in downtown Seoul dropped to as low as 11.4 km/h by 5 p.m.

At 4 p.m., a warning strike resolution rally was held near Daehanmun in Jongno-gu, Seoul, demanding an apology for the self-immolation incident of Construction Union official Yang Hoe-dong and a halt to union suppression.

The KCTU initially reported that the rally would last until 5 p.m. As the rally extended, the police issued a warning broadcast around 5:12 p.m., stating, "The rally time has passed, so from now on, it will be considered an illegal rally and legal procedures will be initiated." The rally ended voluntarily around 5:22 p.m. During the rally, 4 to 5 lanes on Sejong-daero from Daehanmun to Donghwa Duty-Free Shop were controlled.

Although some participants had minor scuffles, such as removing police fences during the movement, physical clashes had not yet escalated at that time.

Currently, the KCTU is continuing the cultural event. Approximately 1,800 members from the KCTU Public Officials Union, Media Union, and Construction Union are participating.

They plan to finish the rally by 8 p.m. and then march to the front of the Police Agency. A police official stated, "We are currently responding with the expectation that about 2,000 people will attend," adding, "If illegal acts occur, law enforcement will be thoroughly carried out."

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