A major umbrella labor union, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), holds a large rally in downtown Seoul to push for direct negotiations between businesses and subcontracted workers. The event takes place near Gwanghwamun Square on Wednesday, followed by a march toward the presidential office. Police estimate about 5,000 participants, while the KCTU says turnout reaches around 10,000. Union members across KCTU’s affiliates, including workers from the Korean Metal Workers’ Union, join the demonstration after walking out of their workplaces.
During the rally, the KCTU calls on businesses to bargain directly with subcontracted workers, arguing that many companies have resisted such talks despite changes to labor law. The union points to a revised labor law expanding subcontracted workers’ bargaining rights, commonly referred to as the “yellow envelope act,” which takes effect in March.
In addition to the bargaining-rights demand, participants also call for government action related to Homeplus, a discount store chain in court-led rehabilitation that started in March 2025 after financial difficulties linked to a prolonged slump.
