Unstoppable 'Noise Protests'... Flood of Complaints Hits Gangnam District Office

Reasons Behind the Flood of Noise Complaints at Gangnam District Office

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] As the sit-in protest by the Metal Workers' Union Sales Solidarity Branch under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) prolongs, nearby office workers are expressing their dissatisfaction. Since last month on the 3rd, this branch has been maintaining a tent sit-in near Samsung Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Along the roadside, about 20 banners with phrases such as "Hyundai Motor Songsan Dealership, guarantee employment succession" and "Are you saying that joining a labor union takes away the job of a family breadwinner?" are hung in a row, and songs are also playing. Baek, who works on the 8th floor of Autoway Tower in Daechi-dong, said, "In this season when the heat is starting, I need to open the window while working, but I can't because of the noise," adding, "I have been receiving long-term treatment for sudden hearing loss, and I worry that the illness might relapse." Office worker Kim also said, "I understand that the police have been reported, but no action has been taken," and added, "I hope there will be restrictions on assemblies, demonstrations, and the use of loudspeakers." Um said, "At some point, my commute has become a daily time of suffering," and added, "I suffer every day during my commute, but I have never seen the district office or police check on the situation even once."

In response to the continuous noise complaints, Gangnam District Office sent cooperation letters regarding the "flood of assembly complaints" to the Security Division of Suseo Police Station on the 20th and 27th of last month. A Gangnam District Office official said, "There were too many complaints coming in simultaneously to the district office, so we sent official letters to Suseo Police Station," adding, "Since the police agency is the main authority managing the Assembly and Demonstration Act, there is nothing the district office can do on its own." A police official said, "Even when measuring the noise at the protest site, it comes out below the standard level. Even if it exceeds this, fines are not imposed, and the matter is resolved through guidance," adding, "The noise level itself can cause stress to residents. The noise standards specified by law need to be changed."

According to the current Assembly and Demonstration Act, the standard noise levels for residential areas and schools are 65 dB or less during the day and 60 dB or less at night, while for other areas, it is 75 dB or less during the day and 65 dB or less at night. Exceeding these levels results in fines and other penalties. The Korean Audiological Society explained, "Sounds below 75 dB generally do not cause hearing loss," and added, "Office or conversation environments are about 60 dB, and noise levels inside buses, subways, and restaurants are about 80 dB." However, the current Assembly and Demonstration Act only regulates the volume of sound and does not clearly address issues such as damage caused by continuous and repetitive noise, sudden high noise within the noise standards, or noise problems caused by nighttime outdoor assemblies.