On the afternoon of the 3rd, members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a nationwide workers' rally while occupying the road in Jongno 3-ga, demanding a complete revision of the labor law. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] The quarantine authorities have recently distanced themselves from the connection between the large-scale COVID-19 infections and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (Minju Nochong) rallies in downtown areas.
The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) stated in a response submitted on the 9th to Kim Mi-ae, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the People Power Party, that "it is difficult to see that the Minju Nochong rallies influenced the recent large-scale infections."
The CDSCH explained, "So far, no confirmed cases related to the Minju Nochong rallies have been identified," and added, "We are closely monitoring the situation."
Previously, Minju Nochong forcibly held a large-scale rally with about 8,000 participants (estimated by Minju Nochong) in downtown Seoul on the 3rd. Afterward, domestic COVID-19 confirmed cases recorded daily numbers in the 1,000s, sparking debates about the responsibility of the Minju Nochong rally.
Yoo Seung-min, a former lawmaker and a presidential candidate from the People Power Party, pointed out on his Facebook on the 6th, "Minju Nochong held the rally, and three days later, the number of confirmed cases exceeded 1,000 for the first time in six months," adding, "Strict accountability must be demanded from Minju Nochong."
Regarding this, Assemblywoman Kim criticized, "After last year's Liberation Day rally, a full investigation of participants was conducted, but the government is standing by idly regarding this Minju Nochong rally," calling it "political quarantine."
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