The National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Jeonjangyeon) attempted a subway delay protest for the first time in two months. During the process, they engaged in a physical altercation with the police.
On the 23rd, Jeonjangyeon began a subway delay protest at City Hall Station on Seoul Subway Line 1 from 8 a.m. This was their first protest in 62 days since the demonstration at Samgakji Station on January 20. They attempted to board the subway but were blocked by police and subway security officers. However, due to the congestion involving commuters, police, and reporters during the morning rush, subway operations were delayed by about 2 to 3 minutes.
Jeonjangyeon's collective action continued into the afternoon. Disability activists gathered at the intersection near Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul, holding a rally that led to a standoff with the police. During this, about ten disability activists rammed police-installed fences with their wheelchairs. They also seized police radios and threw them on the ground. However, no casualties were reported.
Jeonjangyeon reportedly clashed with the police in protest, claiming that the rally space was insufficient. They intended to use not only the sidewalk and two lanes where the rally was permitted but also the remaining one lane. However, the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul stated that any group actions outside the designated rally area would be considered illegal.
Jeonjangyeon stated through the rally and protest that "Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon continues to suppress Jeonjangyeon," and that they would conduct a subway boarding publicity campaign centered around City Hall Station, which passes through Seoul City Hall, during the morning commute. They also plan to mobilize about 1,000 people for a 1-night, 2-day overnight protest. However, the subway Line 4 boarding protest has been postponed until the 20th of next month.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has expressed a firm stance on responding. Through a statement on the day following the previous one, the city explained, "In practical consultations with Jeonjangyeon, we explained the need for an on-site inspection due to cases of improper operation of the activity support allowance project," and added, "Subway delay protests only worsen the problem."
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