Prosecutors Summarily Indict Head of Self-Employed Group Leading 'Vehicle Protest'

Fine of 500,000 Won
"Considering the circumstances of self-employed victims' complaints"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] The head of a self-employed business group who led late-night vehicle protests last year in opposition to business operation restrictions has been summarily indicted.

The Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office announced on the 25th that on the 29th of last month, Kim Gihong, co-representative of the Korea COVID-19 Response National Self-Employed Emergency Committee (Jadaewi), who is accused of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act, was summarily indicted with a fine of 500,000 won.

The prosecution explained the sentencing rationale, stating, "Considering the circumstances that led self-employed individuals to voice their grievances, they chose vehicle protests with minimal face-to-face contact to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. The protests were held at night, causing little inconvenience such as traffic congestion to citizens, and the demonstrations were dispersed without physical clashes."

Kim is accused of holding two late-night vehicle protests last July to protest against strengthened business restrictions due to social distancing measures amid the COVID-19 spread. Approximately 750 vehicles and 300 vehicles participated in the protests over two days, respectively. At the time, the police judged the protests as unreported assemblies.

Meanwhile, investigations into the protests involving the installation of a temporary altar for self-employed business owners are still ongoing. In November last year, the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station booked Kim on charges of leading simultaneous nationwide vehicle protests and setting up the altar in opposition to business restriction measures. Similarly, the prosecution has requested supplementary investigations from the police.