Democratic Labor Union's Surprise Main Rally at Seodaemun Station Intersection... Road Occupied Causing Area Congestion (Comprehensive)

Sudden Rally Causes Major Traffic Congestion... Citizens Inconvenienced
Unified Call for Abolition of Irregular Jobs and Release of Yang Kyung-soo

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held the "10·20 KCTU General Strike Rally" at the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seoul on the 20th, urging the abolition of discrimination against workplaces with fewer than five employees, the elimination of irregular employment, and the securing of union activity rights for all workers. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] On the 20th, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), which announced a massive general strike involving 550,000 union members, held a general strike rally around the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The KCTU set its goal to push policy agendas such as the abolition of irregular workers, elimination of discrimination against workers in businesses with fewer than five employees, and strengthening public services like healthcare, housing, and caregiving, to be realized in next year's presidential election.

Originally, the main rally was planned to be held around Gwanghwamun and Seoul Plaza, but when blocked by police barricades, the venue was hastily moved.

◆ Surprise main rally held at Seodaemun Station = Around 1:30 p.m., the KCTU informed participants via mobile messengers that the main rally would be held at the Seodaemun Station intersection. Accordingly, union members scattered around Euljiro 1-ga Station, Seoul City Hall, and Jongno 3-ga gathered at the Seodaemun Station intersection and occupied the road. The police quickly assembled at Seodaemun Station as well. Due to the surprise rally, roads near Seodaemun Station became congested. Route buses had to detour towards Seoul Station or Independence Gate from Chungjeongno to Seodaemun Station, causing severe traffic jams in the area.

Clashes occurred between police trying to block rally participants at key points and KCTU union members. From around noon, major subway station entrances such as Gyeongbokgung Station, Gwanghwamun Station, City Hall Station, Jonggak Station, and Anguk Station were closed, and trains passed through without stopping, causing traffic disruptions. With a march toward the Blue House also announced, police buses were stationed in narrow alleys from Anguk Tower and Dongsipjagak to Naejadong and Jeokseondong in the east-west section. The police are currently deploying about 12,000 officers from 171 units to respond.

◆ "Abolish irregular workers, release Yang Kyung-soo" in unison = Kim Woo-gi, chairman of the Metal Workers' Union, one of the major organizations, urged in his speech at the main rally, "We demand the release of Chairman Yang Kyung-soo." He emphasized, "There are rumors that other union leaders will be arrested after today's general strike. We have fallen into a labor backward country where the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of assembly is not respected." He continued, "Even amid the COVID-19 situation, the freedom of assembly and protest is guaranteed," and declared, "As chairman of the Metal Workers' Union, I declare that today's strike is not the end but a new beginning to break inequality."

Lee (50), an elementary childcare worker affiliated with the National School Irregular Workers' Union, participated in the rally. She said, "I came out to abolish discrimination against irregular workers," and raised her voice, "It's not that we want to be treated exactly like regular workers, but that we want fair compensation appropriate to our duties." She added, "The Ministry of Education proposed improvements for childcare workers' treatment, but local education offices are delaying implementation," and said, "To provide high-quality care from next year, full-day care hours must be implemented."

A female union member in her 50s from the Mart Industry Labor Union said, "Most mart workers are irregular workers," and "They suffer from inequality in wages and welfare treatment."

The lanes near Seodaemun intersection are currently completely blocked by the police. The police continuously broadcast warnings to the KCTU protesters, saying, "Your prolonged road occupation increases the risk of accidents. Participants in illegal assemblies are subject to punishment," and "Disperse immediately."

Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held the "10·20 KCTU General Strike Rally" at the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seoul on the 20th, urging the "abolition of discrimination against workplaces with fewer than five employees, the elimination of irregular employment, and the securing of union activity rights for all workers." Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

◆ Citizens question strikes and rallies during the 'COVID era' = Citizens also expressed concerns about the KCTU's general strike. Kim (41), an office worker met near Gwanghwamun in the morning, said, "Urban rallies held in places like Gwanghwamun and Jongno are usually on weekends to avoid inconveniencing citizens, but holding them on weekdays causes innocent citizens to suffer," and added, "I’m not sure if the general strike is persuasive."

Seon Ye-ji (27) said, "I don't understand why they hold rallies during the COVID-19 pandemic," and "I hope they express their opinions in ways that don't harm others like a general strike."

Shim (36), who runs a mart near Seodaemun Station, said, "(Because of the large rally) business is bad and it's frustrating," and "How can they hold such a large rally here? The scale is too big. Shouldn't they restrain themselves?" Shim added, "The government also bears responsibility," and said, "These conflicts and problems should be resolved through agreement. Otherwise, citizens like us suffer."