Workers from South Korea’s largest umbrella union gathered at a major intersection in Seoul on Wednesday morning to protest and demand the resignation of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), with over a million members, declared an indefinite general strike until Yoon steps down.
At the capital’s Gwanghwamun Square, some workers displayed signs with messages such as “Arrest Civil War Criminal Yoon Suk Yeol!” and called for the president’s impeachment. The square, located near the entrance to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, witnessed the gathering of the striking workers.
The protest was sparked by President Yoon's decision to retract a martial law decree, which had initially caused unrest among the workers. The KCTU's call for a general strike reflects the intensity of the workers' dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The demonstration at Gwanghwamun Square drew attention to the workers' demands for political accountability and change. The symbolism of the location, near the former seat of power, added significance to the workers' plea for Yoon's resignation.
The striking workers' actions highlight the ongoing tensions between the government and labor unions in South Korea. The KCTU's decision to mobilize its members for a general strike underscores the depth of discontent within the labor force.
