A lawmaker grabbed by the neck and torn clothes at a rally... National Police Chief says "Cannot agree to forceful suppression" (Comprehensive)

CEO Han Chang-min "Blocking the Road Recklessly"
Democratic Labor Union "Resign Jo Ji-ho"

Police Commissioner Jo Ji-ho on the 11th addressed the incident during last weekend's government protest where the police subdued Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, stating, “Has it been confirmed that (he grabbed the back of the neck)? It has not been confirmed that he fell due to police physical force,” and added, “If there is video evidence, I will acknowledge it.”

Han Chang-min, leader of the Social Democratic Party, is being subdued by the police. Online community

At the regular press briefing that day, Commissioner Jo said, “We were trying to clear a passage, but (Han) came accompanied by a YouTuber. We took safety distancing measures, but he approached again,” explaining the situation.

Regarding criticism that the police used strong force during the protest, Commissioner Jo stated, “We fully complied with the procedures under the Assembly and Demonstration Act,” and said, “It is difficult to agree with that claim.”

Han, on the 9th via social media (SNS), explained, “The police blocked the road as if they could not tolerate the protest line growing. We agreed to clear the first lane, but they ignored it. A scuffle broke out during the forced push. I said I was a member of the National Assembly and shouted that such clashes would cause injuries, but they were reckless. Eventually, I was pushed down to the ground and carried away. My clothes were torn, and I suffered bruises all over my body.”

Im Myung-hee, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party, said, “This is a clear suppression of democracy infringing on the freedom of assembly and expression. It is an act that shows the true nature of the Yoon Seok-yeol government, which has wielded power recklessly,” adding, “This violent police response will become a torch for the regime’s downfall. We will respond with greater solidarity among citizens. We will hold them accountable solely by the power of the people.”

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is holding a press conference in front of the Seoul Seodaemun-gu Police Agency. Photo by Im Chunhan

The police announced that they have begun a pre-investigation (internal inquiry) into the leadership of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU). A police official explained, “It appears that illegal acts were premeditated at the protest. We are conducting an internal inquiry into the executive committee, the organizers of the protest,” and added, “We will request the attendance of seven people, including the chairman.” The police are currently investigating 11 people arrested on the 9th, who were sent to various police stations across Seoul along with collected evidence, and are reviewing applications for arrest warrants.

The KCTU held a press conference in front of the National Police Agency that afternoon, demanding, “Resign the Police Commissioner who violently intruded into the peaceful protest. Immediately release all detainees,” and stated, “The police forcibly pushed union members who were moving to or sitting at the protest site, causing clashes.” They further claimed, “The police permitted a space smaller than expected for the first general rally for regime resignation,” and “We requested cooperation for the protest site several times but were denied.”