Congestion Expected at Minjunochong Rally… Police Urge Use of Detour Roads and Public Transportation

by Cho Seongpill

Published 12 Apr.2022 09:30(KST)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on the 13th urged citizens to use public transportation such as the subway and, if driving is unavoidable, to detour around congested areas in relation to the large-scale rally that the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) plans to hold in downtown Seoul.

The police announced that they will operate temporary checkpoints mainly in the downtown Seoul and Yeouido areas to block tourist buses and broadcast/stage vehicles participating in the prohibited rally. Depending on the rally situation, traffic control measures such as bypassing subway trains and route buses passing through downtown without stopping may also be implemented. A police official added, "Considering citizen inconvenience, we plan to conduct announcements and operate the measures to the minimum necessary."

The KCTU is expected to criticize the labor reform policies announced by President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and the Presidential Transition Committee during the rally. The KCTU has reported rallies with about 299 participants each at around 60 locations in downtown Seoul, including the Transition Committee area in Tongui-dong, Gwanghwamun, Jongno, and Yeouido. Currently, rallies with more than 300 people are prohibited in downtown Seoul.

Earlier, the Seoul Metropolitan Government sent an official letter to the KCTU on the 8th, notifying the prohibition of the rally on the 13th, citing concerns over the potential expansion of the large-scale rally and the spread of COVID-19. However, the KCTU plans to proceed with the rally as scheduled. The police estimate about 10,000 participants.