On January 17, a significant protest organized by major labor unions in South Korea demonstrated changes in police presence and management methods during public gatherings.
On January 17, in front of the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, over 3,000 public sector workers from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and the Korean Trade Union Confederation (KTUC) gathered to demand the institutionalization of negotiations directly with the government. This gathering's atmosphere was notably different from previous protests, lacking the substantial police barricades and riot control forces traditionally seen. Instead, roughly 60 designated 'order maintainers' wearing yellow vests were distributed around the protesters, while police presence was minimized, indicating a shift in strategy by the authorities.
This change is part of a new approach by the police which began this year, titled 'Redesigning the Management of Gatherings and Protests.' This strategy aims to reduce the number of riot police deployed and to encourage organizers to take responsibility for maintaining order, with police assuming a supportive role to ensure safety. During the protest, only 240 riot police were deployed, a third of what would have been sent in similar past demonstrations, indicating a shift towards trust and collaboration between the police and civil society.
Historically, the heavy police presence at protests has been a source of tension, limiting the flow of participants and instilling fear among attendees. Civil society has criticized the excessive deployment of police as infringing upon the freedom of assembly guaranteed by the constitution. These criticisms, coupled with practical issues surrounding police staffing, have influenced the changes observed in police strategies, aiming to foster an environment where both attendees and authorities can work together more effectively in future gatherings.
