Spread out the mat, grill meat, and sing songs
YouTube video deleted as controversy spreads
About 10 members of the Joint Countermeasure Committee for Samsung Dismissed Workers' High-Altitude Protest were demonstrating in front of the residence of Lee Jae-yong, Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics, on the 24th. / Photo by YouTube Capture
[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern Juhyung Lim] Samsung dismissed workers sparked controversy by engaging in a so-called 'Samgyeopsal binge protest,' grilling meat and singing in front of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong's residence. While some argue that assembly is a personal freedom, others pointed out that protest methods causing inconvenience to nearby residents are problematic.
On the 24th, the YouTube channel 'Yeondae TV' posted a video showing about ten members of the Samsung Dismissed Workers' High-Altitude Sit-in Joint Countermeasure Committee (Gongdaeui) grilling meat in front of Vice Chairman Lee's residence located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
In the video, they spread mats on the street and laid out gas burners, grills, ssamjang (fermented soybean paste), lettuce, soju, canned beer, and grilled samgyeopsal (pork belly). Scenes of them playing guitar and singing, as well as pitching tents in front of the vice chairman's residence, were also captured.
When a district office official who came in response to complaints said, "There have been complaints from the neighborhood," the protesters replied, "We have reported the assembly," and "Bring a search warrant."
When the official explained that "nearby residents could be harmed," Gongdaeui representative Im Miri said, "If the damage is severe, they should personally sue me."
After the video was posted on YouTube, public opinion was divided. Some netizens expressed understanding, while others criticized, saying, "It could cause discomfort to residents," and "If you want to persuade others, you should first have some decorum yourself."
As the controversy spread, the video has since been removed from YouTube and other platforms.
Meanwhile, the Gongdaeui group that carried out the binge protest was formed to urge the reinstatement of former Samsung Techwin employee Kim Yong-hee, who has been conducting a high-altitude sit-in for over a year in front of Samsung Electronics' Seocho building.
Kim was dismissed in 1995 after attempting to form a labor union at Samsung Aerospace and has been engaged in a 'high-altitude protest' since June last year by climbing a CCTV tower near Gangnam Station in Seoul.
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