Kang Kyung-hwa Announces Candidacy for ILO Director-General, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Pledges Support

"Lie Down Where You Can Stretch Your Legs" Differences in Temperature Between Minju No Chong and Others

Kang Kyung-hwa, candidate for Secretary-General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), visits the Federation of Korean Trade Unions in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 18th and meets with Kim Dong-myeong, chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Kang Kyung-wha, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a candidate for the International Labour Organization (ILO) Secretary-General election, visited the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) on the 18th to appeal for support from the labor sector. The FKTU responded, "We will help if there is any way we can assist." This was in contrast to the negative reaction from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which said, "Look at where you lie down before stretching your legs," expressing skepticism about Kang’s candidacy.

On the same day, Kang met with Kim Dong-myung, Chairman of the FKTU, and stated, "I believe that my experience, wisdom, and international network qualify me for the leadership that the ILO currently requires, which is why I decided to run." She added, "While preparing for the election, I thought it was essential to meet with organizations representing labor and management in our country to seek wisdom and advice as I conduct my campaign. I ask for the Chairman’s valuable insights and guidance, given his long dedication to the labor movement."

Chairman Kim said, "I have heard that there are various criticisms regarding the candidacy," but added, "The FKTU does not view Kang’s candidacy negatively. If there is any way we can help, even a little, we will do so."

Earlier, the KCTU, one of the two major trade union federations alongside the FKTU, criticized Kang’s candidacy, saying, "Look at where you lie down before stretching your legs," and stated, "Kang’s experience and vision are far from the position of ILO Secretary-General."

The ILO, a tripartite organization consisting of government, labor, and employer representatives, elects its Secretary-General by majority vote in the board of directors, which includes 28 government representatives and 14 representatives each from labor and employers, totaling 56 members. The election will be held in March next year.