On Saturday the 13th, both progressive and conservative groups held rallies at various locations throughout downtown Seoul.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) held a resolution rally near City Hall Station at 3:00 p.m. that day.
Members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) are holding a rally near City Hall Station in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News
The union claimed that U.S. immigration authorities had illegally detained a large number of Korean workers at a factory in Georgia, and argued that the South Korean government had neglected its duty to protect its citizens due to its deference to the United States.
Special-type workers and platform workers demanded legal protection and called on the government to establish a labor-government negotiation system.
Affiliates of the KCTU, including the Korean Federation of Service Workers' Unions and the Korean Metal Workers' Union, held preliminary rallies near Samgakji Station and in front of the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office before joining the main event.
The Korean Patriots' Movement Headquarters, led by Pastor Jeon Kwanghoon of Sarang Jeil Church, held the Gwanghwamun National Rally at 1:00 p.m. in front of Dongwha Duty Free Shop near Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu.
Speakers on stage referenced the detention of Son Hyunbo, the head pastor of Saegero Church in Busan, and claimed that the government was suppressing religion. Participants waved placards reading "Stop Oppressing Churches" and "Lee Jaemyung Dictatorship OUT."
The progressive group Candlelight Action plans to hold the "157th Candlelight March" at 6:00 p.m. in front of Gwanghwamun Station. The group intends to protest the detention of Koreans in the United States by marching through Gwanghwamun Square near the U.S. Embassy, Anguk-dong Intersection, and Jonggak Station.
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