Police Focus on "Installing Barricades and Blocking Rallies" Amidst KCTU General Strike

On the afternoon of July 3rd, members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions occupied the road in Jongno 3-ga, holding a nationwide workers' rally demanding a complete revision of the labor law. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] Regarding the nationwide general strike by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) scheduled for the 20th, the police have clearly stated their intention to respond strictly.

On the 18th, at a press briefing held at the Police Agency in Migeun-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong said, "Although the number of COVID-19 cases is decreasing, if large-scale rallies occur simultaneously nationwide, the risk of infection control will increase," adding, "If the rallies are forcibly held, we will respond strictly based on the same standards according to laws, procedures, and principles, as we have done so far."

Commissioner Kim continued, "At rallies, COVID-19 can spread among participants, and police officers managing and blocking the events may also become infected," and stated, "We plan to focus on preventing and blocking prohibited rallies from taking place on-site as much as possible." The police plan to install police lines, equipment for isolation and distancing, and if necessary, barricades.

Under the social distancing level 3 situation, gatherings of up to 49 people are allowed in most regions except the metropolitan area. Due to this, the police do not rule out the possibility of large-scale rallies being held in provincial areas. Commissioner Kim said, "We plan to respond in close consultation with health authorities and local governments."

The Police Agency plans to hold a countermeasure meeting in the afternoon to announce the final response policy regarding the KCTU general strike.