Another Incident? Violent Clashes Erupt in Protest, Analysis of the Clash between KMWU and Gumi City Officials at Gumi City Hall, Leaving Over 10 Officials Injured.

On the 29th of last month, a clash occurred between members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU) affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and Gumi City officials. This incident took place in front of Gumi City Hall in Gyeongsangbuk-do, resulting in a collision between union members attempting to enter the city hall and officials, leaving over 10 officials injured.

 

Korea Optical High-Tech is a Japanese-invested enterprise that, after primarily producing LCD polarizing films since its establishment, decided to close in October of last year due to a fire. This situation has heightened concerns about the working conditions and stability of workers in the area.

 

According to Gumi City, on that morning, around 40 KMWU members held a press conference in front of Gumi City Hall regarding the closure of Korea Optical High-Tech (KOHT), and afterward, they attempted to enter the city hall. During this process, security personnel and officials confronted the union members to prevent their entry. As a result of this confrontation, two officials who complained of pain were treated at a hospital, and over 10 officials sustained minor injuries.

 

The attempted entry by the union members resulted in chaos inside the city hall, with furniture in the lobby being displaced or overturned, causing confusion. The clash on that day occurred as Gumi City officials and union members confronted each other at the entrance of the city hall and continued for about 20 minutes. Amidst this situation, after delivering a letter of protest to Deputy Mayor Kim Ho-seop, the union members left the city hall.

 

Gumi Jiho, a local union, claimed that KOHT, a Japanese-invested company, was attempting to withdraw from Korea and transfer substantial profits abroad. They emphasized the need for a response to "exploitative capital" for the sake of the local community and advocated for the protection of the survival rights of local workers.

 

To investigate the incident, the Gumi Police Station collected CCTV footage from the time of the incident and initiated an investigation. A police spokesperson mentioned that the KMWU had effectively held an undeclared illegal rally through the press conference and stated their intention to thoroughly investigate these unlawful actions.

 

Korea Optical High-Tech is a Japanese-invested enterprise that, after primarily producing LCD polarizing films since its establishment, decided to close in October of last year due to a fire. This situation has heightened concerns about the working conditions and stability of workers in the area.