Self-Employed Strongly Oppose 2-Week Extension of Social Distancing... "Nationwide Protests and Resistance Movements Planned"

Government Announces Extension of Social Distancing for 2 Weeks on 31st
Self-Employed Protest... Collective Action to Begin Early Next Year
Self-Employed Emergency Committee Plans Nationwide Simultaneous Rallies
Koja Association Discusses Collective Strikes and Resistance to Quarantine Policies

On the 26th, the Youth Street in Jongno-gu, Seoul is quiet due to the severe cold and the impact of COVID-19. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] As the current social distancing measures are extended for another two weeks, self-employed business owners are expressing strong opposition. With hopes of some relaxation starting next year dashed, responses ranging from despair to intense reactions have circulated in self-employed communities and group chat rooms.

On the 31st, self-employed organizations announced plans to intensify collective actions opposing quarantine policies from early next year. The National Emergency Countermeasures Committee for Self-Employed in Response to COVID-19 is considering holding simultaneous rallies nationwide as previously announced. Methods under discussion include car protests and press conferences at branch bases, though detailed plans have yet to be finalized. The committee also plans to hold a press conference on the 5th to mark the first anniversary of their constitutional appeal. Jo Ji-hyun, co-representative of the National Emergency Countermeasures Committee for Self-Employed in Response to COVID-19, said, "I feel completely stripped of my right to be respected as a citizen," adding, "The government says self-employed people are making sacrifices and accepts this as natural, but it is only right that appropriate compensation should be provided."

The COVID-19 Victims Self-Employed General Union (Coja General Union), a coalition of seven organizations including the Korea Foodservice Industry Association and the Korea Franchise Industry Association, also plans to hold a large-scale rally in Seoul. Additionally, they are preparing for a collective strike involving association members. Coja General Union conducted a vote among its members on the strike, with most in favor. They plan to begin collective actions from January 4 next year, after the new distancing guidelines take effect. If their demands are not met after the strike, Coja General Union intends to escalate to a non-compliance movement against quarantine policies as a last resort. To this end, they are forming a large coalition including food hygiene and public sanitation organizations. They also conducted nationwide blackout protests over two days, from the 27th to 28th. Oh Ho-seok, president of the COVID-19 Victims Self-Employed General Union, said, "Most self-employed people are extremely frustrated, and it would not be surprising if violent incidents occur," adding, "We see this as a do-or-die moment and are considering plans for all self-employed to take to the streets or simultaneously launch non-compliance movements."

However, opinions on the 5 million won loss compensation support for the first quarter of next year, which will be provided as 'advance payment followed by settlement,' are mixed, with some viewing it as "meaningful" and others saying it is "far too insufficient to cover accumulated and additional losses."

Meanwhile, sharp criticism continues regarding police investigations and responses toward self-employed business owners. Recently, a large cafe in Incheon defied government quarantine policies by operating 24 hours and was subjected to a police raid, raising concerns that similar cases may follow. Some self-employed individuals plan to hold a rally in front of the cafe in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, from 2 p.m. today to support the owner.