On Disability Day... Jeonjangyeon Resumes Subway Protest

by Kong Byeongseon

Published 20 Apr.2023 09:00(KST)

Updated 20 Apr.2023 09:01(KST)

Representative Park Kyung-seok Attempted to Board but Was Blocked

The National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon) resumed its 1-night, 2-day subway protest in observance of Disability Day. Seoul Metro has announced plans to prevent not only subway delays but also any occupation of stations.

On the morning of the 19th, a day before Disabled Persons' Day, members of the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon) held a publicity campaign at the platform of Hyehwa Station on Seoul Subway Line 4 in Jongno-gu, Seoul, urging for a budget for the rights of persons with disabilities. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 20th, Jeonjangyeon held a rally called the "22nd Day of Struggle for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities" around 8 a.m. at platforms including Samgakji Station. They demanded guarantees for the disability rights budget, re-amendment of disability rights legislation, and the complete abolition of the disability grading system and the support obligation criteria, chanting slogans such as "Please board the citizenship train." Some disability activists took the downbound train at Myeongdong Station in Seoul.

However, Park Kyung-seok, co-executive director of Jeonjangyeon, attempted to board the subway at Samgakji Station that day but was stopped by Seoul Metro and police officers who blocked the subway screen doors. Gugi-jeong, the station manager of Samgakji, said, "Acts causing disturbances inside the station are prohibited under the Railroad Safety Act," and added, "We ask Jeonjangyeon to immediately stop the protest and leave the station." In a gesture of mourning for Disability Day, Director Park threw flowers instead. Afterwards, Director Park and other Jeonjangyeon members moved to the rally site in front of the 63 Building in Yeouido, Seoul.

Jeonjangyeon plans to continue subway protests the following day. After holding protests at several Seoul subway stations, they intend to move to Seoul City Hall for a concluding rally. Given the two-day duration, occupation and overnight stays at subway platforms are expected.

However, Seoul Metro has stated its intention to preemptively block subway protests and occupations. They plan to install fences and deploy personnel at subway stations expected to be occupied. Additionally, they are considering non-stop passage of trains if boarding attempts occur. If protesters do not comply with instructions such as removing stickers from subway platforms, fines will be imposed based on the Railroad Safety Act and other laws.

Last year, Jeonjangyeon also held subway protests on Disability Day. According to Seoul Metro, Jeonjangyeon conducted subway protests for 2 nights and 3 days starting April 19 last year. As a result, Seoul Subway Line 3 experienced delays of about 1 hour and 15 minutes in both directions, and Line 2 was delayed about 40 minutes in both directions.