Inheriting Martyr’s Spirit

Inheriting Martyr’s Spirit Chun Tae-il, a south Korean worker, burnt himself to death in protest against the anti-worker policy of the south Korean authorities on Nov. 13, 1970. A memorial service took place in memory of Chun Tae-il before his grave in Gyeonggi Province on Nov. 13 under the sponsorship of the Chun Tae-il Foundation. Participated in the memorial service were members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions A memorial service before Chun’s grave The people’s voice that rocked the Gwanghwamun Plaza is a roar of another Chun Tae-il who dreams of a society centered on the popular masses not gold or power, the speakers said at the memorial service. They noted that the people’s task is to put an end to Park Geun-hye’s life by dealing a crushing blow at her with the concerted efforts of the nation. Both trade unions will place Park behind prison bars in place of Han Sang-geun who has been brought into custody after the indignation meeting for defending the right to live held in last year, they stressed.   The KCTU called a press conference on Nov. 14 at which it strongly demanded the unconditional resignation of Park and urged the opposition parties to join in the action for resignation of the Park regime. The Hyundai Motors, Kia Motors and the Korean Metal Workers’ Federation with membership of 150 000 unionists decided to go on a general strike in demand of Park’s resignation. The Gyeonggi Provincial Headquarters of the KCTU and civic organizations at thirty-nine regions in Gyeonggi Province set up the movement headquarters for Park’s resignation on Nov. 15 and decided to launch various kinds of actions including one-million signature campaign, candlelight demos and release of declaration on the current situation.