Police Detain 2 Organizers and Investigate 12 in '10·20 Minjunochong General Strike'

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@

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a large-scale rally in downtown Seoul on the 20th of this month, and the police announced that they have booked and are investigating two organizers of the rally.

Choi Gwan-ho, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, stated at a press briefing held on the 25th at the Seoul Police Agency in Naejadong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, "We are conducting preliminary investigations on 12 KCTU officials," adding, "Two individuals have been booked following complaints."

He continued, "The KCTU general strike was managed from a quarantine control perspective, and the response to the rally was carried out accordingly," explaining, "When a march occurs, the contact surface widens, so dispersal procedures were implemented." He also said, "There are clearly illegal acts related to the rally," and "We plan to strictly enforce judicial measures."

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 20th, the KCTU held a surprise general strike rally around the Seodaemun Station intersection in Seoul. The organizers estimated that about 27,000 people participated in the rally.

Commissioner Choi, who has been in office for over 100 days, said, "The Seoul police operate more systematically and have outstanding capabilities compared to any other city or province," adding, "We will advance the command structure based on a three-direction reporting system and enhance the functions and proactive field intervention programs." He further stated that with the presidential election approaching in March next year, "We plan to strengthen election preparedness and continue quarantine-related security activities to ensure stable security in Seoul."

Regarding the 'complaint inducement suspicion' case, he said, "Investigations of the complainants and accusers have been completed," adding, "It is difficult to disclose specific details."