Protests at Hyehwa, Onam, and Other Line 4 Stations on the 21st
"Losses Estimated at 21 Million Won... 245 Civil Complaints Filed"
On the morning of April 21, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it would take strict measures, including filing criminal charges, in response to train delays and other disruptions caused by a subway boarding protest organized by the Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (Jeon Jang Yeon).
According to the city, the protest, which began at 8 a.m. at Hyehwa Station, Onam Station, and Seonbawi Station on Line 4, temporarily halted or delayed train operations. Train service was suspended for about 35 minutes at Onam Station and Seonbawi Station, and was delayed for approximately 13 minutes at Hyehwa Station. At Hyehwa Station, which falls under the city's jurisdiction, trains passed through without stopping for about 22 minutes.
The city estimated the financial loss caused by the protest at approximately 21 million won. A city official stated, "There were also injuries among staff members during the response to the protest, and 245 civil complaints were filed during the time period in which the protest occurred."
The city emphasized that it considers the Jeon Jang Yeon protest to be an "illegal protest," and announced plans to file criminal complaints with the relevant police stations, as well as lawsuits for damages and obstruction of business due to train delays. Previously, the city had filed 11 criminal complaints and 5 civil lawsuits against Jeon Jang Yeon protests, citing traffic obstruction and business interference.
A city official stated, "The subway is a vital means of public transportation not only for Seoul residents but also for commuters throughout the greater Seoul area, so we will respond strongly to illegal activities like today's protest, including taking legal action."
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