[On-site Video] "Small Business Owners Are All Dying" KCTU Rally... Citizens' Outrage

Democratic Labor Union Gathers in Seodaemun... Another 'Surprise Rally'
Civilians Express "Concerns Over COVID Spread"
Police Immediately Launch Investigation into Democratic Labor Union Strike Rally

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "This is really unacceptable," "Will someone take responsibility if COVID-19 spreads...?"

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) pushed ahead with a general strike and large-scale rallies on the 20th despite concerns over the spread of COVID-19, raising criticisms that it might threaten the 'With Corona' phased daily recovery. Especially among self-employed people who have suffered severe hardships due to COVID-19, there are sighs of "This is really too much."

According to the KCTU and the Ministry of Employment and Labor on the day, about 40,000 to 50,000 people nationwide (KCTU estimates about 80,000), including 27,000 participants in rallies in downtown Seoul, took part. When the police blocked off the Gwanghwamun area to stop the KCTU's large-scale rally, the KCTU moved the venue to Seodaemun and proceeded with the rally. In the process, traffic congestion occurred in downtown Seoul and other areas.

The KCTU announced the general strike rally location as the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, around 1:30 p.m. and started the rally. Citizens and self-employed people watching this burst out in anger.

A karaoke room owner, Mr. A (67), met near Seodaemun Station, said, "I have suffered a loss of over 100 million won over two years due to COVID-19 while running the karaoke business," adding, "I am worried that gathering in such large numbers (for the rally) will cause COVID-19 to spread again."

Union members participating in the October 20th KCTU general strike suddenly gathered at the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seoul on the 20th, occupying the road and holding a rally demanding the abolition of discrimination against workplaces with fewer than five employees, the elimination of irregular workers, and the securing of union activity rights for all workers.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Mr. B (50), who said he works as a real estate agent, pointed out, "It's noisy and chaotic," and added, "Because of the noise, customers don't come well, and consultations are difficult." He continued, "I don't completely disagree with the KCTU's position, but occupying the roads like this doesn't look good."

There are also opinions asking to refrain from rallies amid the COVID-19 spread phase. Mr. Kim, a company employee in his 30s, said, "I wish they would stop gathering," raising his voice, "I don't know what they plan to do if COVID-19 cases surge."

Earlier, the government requested the KCTU to refrain from or withdraw the general strike. President Moon Jae-in instructed on the 18th regarding the KCTU general strike, "I hope they will refrain from striking as much as possible from a magnanimous perspective," and ordered strict handling of illegal acts.

Also, Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said on the 19th, "The KCTU is attempting large-scale rallies and demonstrations in major cities nationwide," adding, "Although they officially report small-scale rallies complying with quarantine rules, there are concerns that typical 'illegal split rallies' with many people gathering will actually take place on site."

Meanwhile, the police announced that they have launched an investigation into the rally by organizing the '10·20 Illegal Rally Investigation Headquarters.'