Democratic Labor Union 8,000-Person Surprise Protest in Downtown... Some Clashes (Comprehensive)

Published 03 Jul.2021 16:54(KST)

Updated 03 Jul.2021 17:19(KST)

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a National Workers' Rally in Jongno 3-ga on the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) defied police attempts to block their gathering on the 3rd and carried out a surprise protest for two hours in the heart of downtown Seoul.

At around 1 p.m. that day, the KCTU notified its members that "entry to Yeouidaero is difficult, so the location is urgently changed," and gathered them at Jongno by 2 p.m.

As crowds gathered on the sidewalk near exits 1 and 2 of Jongno 3-ga Station on Line 1, KCTU members began moving onto the road. With no police barricades or fences installed, buses and crowds became entangled, creating chaos.

The KCTU estimated about 8,000 members chanted slogans such as "Abolish irregular employment," "Stop restructuring," and "Raise the minimum wage," while singing songs like "March for the Beloved" despite heavy raindrops falling.

Most wore masks, but social distancing was not adequately maintained.

At around 2:40 p.m., the KCTU occupied 4 to 6 lanes of road from Jongno 2-ga intersection to Jongno 3-ga intersection and held a nationwide workers' rally led by Secretary-General Jeon Jong-deok.

KCTU Chairman Yang Kyung-soo said, "We gathered here to protect workers' survival, safety, and employment," adding, "We will not tolerate further inequality and polarization; let us correct this world with the power and anger of workers."

The police issued three orders to disperse the assembly under the Assembly and Demonstration Act and the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act, but the KCTU continued the rally for about 30 minutes.

They concluded the assembly around 3:15 p.m. and marched toward Jongno 5-ga.

Members ended the rally at around 3:44 p.m. by singing strike songs. Some remained on site shouting slogans, but most dispersed.

There were some clashes between police and protesters during the demonstration and rally.

Initially, the police announced no arrests were made, but later corrected this, stating that one person was arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer (obstruction of official duties) and is being investigated at Hyehwa Police Station.