Ruling Party Criticizes Minnocho's 2-Day Protest as a "Force That Disregards the Law"

"Yoon Government Police Must Change" Calls for Stronger Response

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Construction Union held a '1-night 2-day overnight protest' at Seoul Plaza and Cheonggye Plaza on the 16th and 17th, while key figures from the ruling party urged a strong police response, calling them "forces that take the law lightly."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 18th, Kim Gi-hyeon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on his social media (SNS), "The KCTU turned the heart of Seoul into a lawless zone for two consecutive days. Around Sejong-daero, 100 tons of trash including liquor bottles, vomit, and cigarette butts left by them piled up, causing a foul stench."

He raised his voice, saying, "The KCTU, which mistakenly believes itself to be a privileged group above the law, deserves no more tolerance or leniency. Groups that occupy roads at will and engage in public urination and drinking parties must be held strictly accountable. That is a fair and advanced society."

He then called on the police for a 'strong response.' Kim said, "The police and related authorities must take extraordinary and strong measures to respond to the KCTU's illegal violence. Those who take the law lightly must be made to realize the power of the law. Only then can the law-abiding ordinary citizens live in peace."

Park Dae-chul, chairman of the Policy Committee, criticized the police response on SNS, saying, "How should we view the reality where such events are reported as cultural festivals, courts grant permits, and the police neglect the situation?" He urged the police, "All illegal acts that occurred during this overnight protest must be held accountable individually, regardless of the severity of the crimes. I hope a thorough investigation will demonstrate the strictness of the law."

Four-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun also criticized the police's lukewarm attitude, saying, "The KCTU's illegal overnight protest was possible due to the police's lax attitude. The assembly after 5 p.m. was reported as participation in the Itaewon tragedy memorial, falling under the exception clause for ceremonial gatherings, and there was no basis to restrain the overnight stay, effectively leaving the situation unchecked."

He added, "This lax attitude of the police largely stems from the relaxed response system to assemblies and protests that became entrenched as a custom during the Moon Jae-in administration, but the police under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration must be different. The police must strictly uphold the law and principles regarding union assemblies and restore public authority. The police under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration must quickly undergo a complete transformation."