[2021 National Audit] Seoul Police Chief on the Day Before the KCTU General Strike: "Enforcement According to Law and Principles"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On the eve of the nationwide general strike organized by the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), Choi Kwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, announced that they will respond strictly to illegal activities.

On the 19th, during the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's inspection of the Seoul Police Agency, Commissioner Choi stated, "From a quarantine perspective, the upper authorities have instructed us to consistently enforce assemblies and demonstrations," adding, "Regardless of who the organizers are, the principle is to enforce consistently according to law and principles."

He continued, "Although it may be difficult to block the assembly itself due to the large number of participants expected tomorrow (for the KCTU general strike), we will proceed with blocking the assembly, dispersal procedures, and strict post-event handling."

Additionally, he said, "We will mobilize as many experienced officers as possible from across the country and have temporarily organized 29 companies."

Meanwhile, Commissioner Choi responded to inquiries regarding U.S. military personnel involved in a disturbance recently arrested in the Hongdae area, stating, "One of the individuals involved has been sent for prosecution, and the other is under investigation before formal charges." Earlier, on the 9th, they were arrested near Hongdae Station for damaging passing vehicles and assaulting drivers and were handed over to the U.S. military police.