On the afternoon of November 8, which was a weekend, large-scale rallies organized by labor groups took place in downtown Seoul.
The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) and the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) each held national workers’ rallies on Yeouidaero and in front of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), respectively.
According to unofficial police estimates, approximately 12,000 people attended the FKTU rally, while about 22,000 participated in the KCTU rally.
The FKTU called for the legal retirement age to be extended to 65 within the year and for the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek, chanting slogans such as "Reduce actual working hours, implement the 4.5-day workweek," and "Apply the Labor Standards Act to all workplaces, including those with fewer than five employees."
Marking its 30th anniversary, the KCTU demanded the enactment of fundamental labor laws and the prevention of economic exploitation, while also calling for the right to collective bargaining for subcontracted and specially employed workers, as well as an end to the unequal relationship between South Korea and the United States.
Prior to these rallies, starting at noon, affiliated unions such as the Public Transport Workers’ Union, Construction Workers’ Union, and Metal Workers’ Union held preliminary gatherings at locations including Sewoon Shopping Center and the Seoul Government Complex.
After the national workers’ rallies concluded, participants split into two groups and marched through downtown Seoul toward the Myeongdong Sejong Hotel and the Seoul Employment and Labor Administration.
Meanwhile, the Korean Patriots’ Movement Headquarters (KPMH), led by Pastor Jun Kwanghoon of Sarang Jeil Church, held the "Gwanghwamun National Rally" in front of Donghwa Duty Free Shop from 1 p.m., with an unofficial police estimate of 7,000 people in attendance. In his speech, Pastor Jun argued that "former President Yoon Sukyeol, who is currently detained, should be released as soon as possible."
In addition, the progressive group Candlelight Action held the "Candlelight March for National Sovereignty and the Settlement of Insurrection" in front of the Supreme Court in Seocho-dong from 4 p.m., demanding the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho Heedae and the establishment of a special tribunal. About 700 people participated in this rally.
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