Photo Fwd: May 18 memories

Hankyoreh
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/478530.html
May 18 memories
May.18,2011 　

From the top: An international resident looks at pictures taken during the May 18 Gwangju Uprising in 1980 on display in a photo exhibition opened at the Seoul Plaza one day before its 31st anniversary.

(Photo by Kim Myoung-jin)

　
In the event “May 18 Blood Donation Relay” held at the Geumnamno, Gwangju, in order to fulfill sharing spirits in the May 18 Gwangju Uprising, citizens participate in the blood donation, May 17. People in Gwangju shared all the things including bread, milk, rice, ice and blood during the uprising.

(Photo by Kim Jung-hyo)

Pungmul band, Korean traditional percussion band, representing Citizen Army at the uprising, and people carrying eleven portraits of those who died during democracy movement in 1991 arrive at the festival held on the eve of the holiday at the square in front of the former South Jeolla Province Government, May 17.

(Photo by Kim Jung-hyo)

[Site Fwd: Korea Report] Anti-Lee Myung-bak Protest in Washington, DC

Korea Report
March 2, 2011
Anti-Lee Myung-bak Protest in Washington, DC

During the heydays of military dictatorships and authoritarian regimes of South Korea, the Korean embassy in Washington, DC drew steady demonstrations calling for democracy. Now the protests have reappeared, afre many years of absence, as protesters denounced current policies of Pres. Lee Myung-bak on many fronts: 1) erosion of democratic gains by suppressing dissent and public expression; 2) economic slide with deteriorating public welfare and increasing inequities; 3) environmental destruction brought about by the massive "four river project"; 4) mishandling of livestocks' foot-and-mouth disease; and 5) worsening relations with North Korea by negating previous gains on inter-Korea cooperation. The protesters have demanded Lee's resignation and vowed a 100-day relay protest.

Photos Fwd: South Koreans' anti-government protest

For more photos, see the Tongil News, Feb. 25, 2011 통일 뉴스, 2011년 2월 25일(클릭)
City Hall square, Seoul, 7pm, Feb. 25, 2011

Text Fwd: KBS, MBC and SBS unions unanimously oppose ‘Dialogue with the President’

* Text Fwd from Steve Zeltzer on Feb. 4, 2011

Korean KBS, MBC and SBS media unions unanimously oppose ‘Dialogue with the President’ : The program has drawn fire for being entirely planned by the Cheong Wa Dae
Kim Jeong-pil
Posted on : Jan.31,2011 11:36 KST　
　　

The unions of the three terrestrial broadcast companies are unanimously demanding the cancellation of President Lee Myung-bak’s televised discussion with the nation, scheduled for Tuesday. Their decision to show unanimous opposition has strengthened protest against the televised program, “Dialogue with the President.”

With the union chairs and leaders in attendance, the unions of KBS, MBC and SBS decided to hold a press conference and demonstration in front of the Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office in South Korea or Blue House) on Monday afternoon.

“If the broadcast companies simply broadcast live content featuring and planned by Cheong Wa Dae, the broadcast companies will becoming loudspeakers for those in power,” said New KBS Union Chairman Eom Gyeong-cheol on Sunday. “This is a direct instance that illustrates the extent to which the Cheong Wa Dae’s view of the media has become distorted.”

“The Cheong Wa Dae has violated the sole authority of the broadcast companies, and by accepting this, the broadcast companies have placed their own independence in serious danger,” said SungKongHoe University Professor Kim Seo-jung. “The decision by all three stations to simultaneously broadcast the president’s address on the morning before an extended holiday has violated the public’s right to decide what to watch.”

Semyung University Professor Jeong Yeon-woo said, “Communication between the president and the public remains severed with the president focused only on conveying and promoting his own declarations, like in this closed televised address.”

The criticism of the president’s coming address is the accumulated result of Cheong Wa Dae’s consistent decision to remain silent about matters disadvantageous to its leaders while giving a live broadcast with the president on any matter, foreign or domestic, that promotes his public relations. During his addresses during his first year in 2008 - an April 13 address on his visits to the United States and Japan and a June 19 address on the beef imports issue - he also discussed inter-Korean relations, cabinet reshuffles and other issues.


His four press conferences after that (excluding conferences after bilateral summits) were all promotional. Three of these were about the G-20 summit (Sept. 30, 2009, Nov. 3, 2010 and Nov. 12, 2010), and one was a press conference from Abu Dhabi about South Korea’s successful bid to build nuclear reactors in the UAE. Immediately after the successful rescue of the crew of the Samho Jewelry on Jan. 21, Lee stood in front of the camera to break the news.

On the other hand, Lee has remained quiet about contentious issues. During his September 2009 press conference on drawing the G-20 to Seoul, he excluded speaking on all other issues, and did not mention the revisions to the Sejong City Development Plan, the major pending issue of the day. In the November press conference on the G-20, there was just one question about the illegal surveillance issue, but Lee avoided answering it.

In response to criticism about the unilateralism of the coming Feb. 1 broadcast, Cheong Wa Dae officials said Sunday, “President Lee wants to take any questions the panelists, Hallym Institute of Advanced International Studies professor Jeong Gwan-yong and SBS anchor Han Su-jin, wish to ask.” They asked that people watch the actual broadcast and decide if it was all planned out in advance.

Photos Fwd: Pan-Korean people’s rally for the Lee Myung-Bak regime’s OUT and for the people’s right to live 이명박 정권 퇴진 민중생존권 쟁취 전국민중대회 열려

Pan Korean People’s Rally:
Lee Myung-Bak OUT!

No War! Convert the Hyundae irregular jobs to regular jobs!
No ROK-US FTA! No Four River Project!
Seoul Square/ 3pm, Dec. 18, 2010

The leaflet(front) of the rally, Dec. 18 (scanned)
Click the image for larger view
이미지를 클릭하시면 확대됩니다

The leaflet(back) of the rally, Dec. 18 (scanned)
Click the image for larger view
이미지를 클릭하시면 확대됩니다

________________________________________________
* Related blogs 관련 블로그들

Friday, December 17, 2010
Photo Fwd: The new-elected chairpersons of the pan-Korean university student body announce ‘ No war-statement regarding the state of affairs

Friday, December 17, 2010
Text Fwd: S. Korea to stage live-fire drill on border island shelled by N. Korea

Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Poster Fwd: Pan-Korean People's Rally on Dec. 18
________________________________________________

* Photo credits if the below two: Kim Do-Yeon, News Cham, Dec. 18, 2010 김도연, 뉴스 참, 2010년 12월 18일

Pan-Korean people’s rally for the Lee Myung-Bak regime’s OUT and for the people’s right to live,
3pm, Seoul Square

* A sign reads:

Jeong Mong-Goo, President of the Hyundae Automobile Co.,
Stop a raging wind of oppression on labor union!

(The spark for people's liberation-The 53rd student body of the Seoul University (Preparatory)

________________________________________________
* Photo credits if the below seven: Yang Ji –Woong, Voice of People, Dec. 18, 2010 양지웅, 민중의 소리

* A sign reads: Peace to the Yeonpyeong-do! Routine life to its residents! (SPARK)

The two signs read:

Does the Lee Myung-Bak government want war?(SPARK)
Peace can never be brought by the Yeonpyong-do fire drill!(SPARK)

The red signs read:
Lee Myung-Bak government OUT!

Kim Young-Hoon, The Chairman of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions speaks

The yellow signs read:
Let's win the people's right to live!

Lets' hold the candles of vision again!

The green sign reads:
Let's make the West Sea (Yellow Sea) into the Sea of Peace!(SPARK)

________________________________________________

* Video source: Kim Joon-Chul, Voice of People, Dec. 17, 2010, 김준철, 민중의 소리
많은 의혹 품은 연평도 훈련 중단하라!
Stop the Yeonpyeong-do drill of many suspicions!



민주노동당과 평화와통일을여는사람들, 한국진보연대 등 시민사회단체는 17일 국방부 앞에서 기자회견을 열고 18일 부터 21일 사이에 재개하는 '연평도 사격훈련을 철회할 것을 촉구했다.

The civic organizations such as the Democratic Labor Party, the Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea, Korean Alliance of Progressive Movements, having the press interview on front of the Ministry of National Defense on Dec. 17, 2010, demanded to stop the Yeonpyeong-do fire drill which that been resumed between Dec. 18 to 21. 2010.
________________________________________________

국문: 한국 단체들 논평 및 성명서

1. [제 단체 12월 17일 공동 성명서] 전쟁위기 조장하는 연평도 사격훈련 즉각 철회하라

발제:

합동참모본부는 18일부터 21일 사이에 재개하기로 발표한 연평도 사격훈련 계획을 즉각 철회해야 한다.

우리는 이명박 정부가 국회 날치기로 분노하고 있는 국민들의 민심을 희석시키기 위해 의도적이고 계획적으로 연평도 사격훈련을 재개하려는 것으로 밖에 볼 수 없다. 서해발 전쟁공포로 온나라가 혼란한 틈을 타 국회에서 예산안 날치기를 강행하더니, 국민의 거센 비난으로 국정 전반이 위기에 몰리자 결국 또다시 안보장사로 위기를 모면하려는 것이 아닌가?

* 전문은 링크1, 또는 링크 2, 또는 링크 3 클릭
....................................................................
2. [정욱식, 2010. 12. 17] 누구를 위한, 무엇을 위한 연평도 훈련인가

발제:

여기서 주목되는 것은 미국의 태도 변화이다. 미국은 북한의 연평도 포격 이후 여러 차례에 걸쳐 남한에게 연평도 사격훈련 자제를 요청한 것으로 알려졌다. 그러나 이번에는 주한미군까지 투입해 남한을 지원하기로 했다. 1차적으로는 강력한 한미동맹과 북한의 도발 의지를 꺾겠다는 ‘불굴의 의지’를 과시하기 위한 목적으로 보인다.

[..]

연평도 피격 직후 뉴욕타임즈는 사설을 통해 북한의 공격을 강력히 규탄하면서도, “우리는 남한 대통령이 누가 그 아이디어(북한 인근 수역에서 사격훈련)를 고안했는지 물어보기를 희망한다”며 남한의 사격훈련 실시에 안타까움을 나타냈다. 대북 규탄에 동참한 러시아 정부 역시 남한의 사격훈련 실시가 북한의 과잉대응을 촉발한 원인 가운데 하나라는 입장을 밝힌 바 있다.

* 전문은 여기 클릭

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3. [범민련 남측 본부, 2010년 12월 18일 논평] 자위권, 평시훈련, 정전협정준수는 기만

발제:

군 사적으로 민감한 연평도 인근에서 ‘평시훈련’조차 있어서도 안 될 뿐 아니라 지금의 ‘해상 사격훈련’은 미국과 이명박이 천안함사건 조작과 모략의 연장선상에서 올해 하반기 내내 북침 전쟁연습을 전개하겠다고 공언한 ‘전쟁국면’ 상태에서 벌이는 명백한 ‘전시훈련’이다. 특히 ‘해상 사격훈련이 정전협정을 준수하는 가운데 정당하게 실시된다’며 계속 정전협정과 관련한 궤변을 늘어놓고 있는 바, 정전협정은 “최후적인 평화적 해결이 달성될 때까지 조선에서의 적대행위와 일체 무장행동의 완전한 정지를 보장하는 정전”협정이다.

* 전문은 여기 클릭

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4. [12. 17 제 단체 공동 성명서] 아프가니스탄 한국인 노동자 피랍사건 : 더 큰 무장 갈등과 재앙을 낳기 전에 철군하라

발제

지난 13일 아프가니스탄 북부 사마간주의 한 도로건설 현장에서 한국인 노동자 2명이 탈레반으로 추정되는 무장저항세력에 피랍됐다가 총격전 끝에 풀려나는 끔찍한 일이 발생했다. 당시 건설 현장을 호위하던 아프가니스탄 경찰 2명도 함께 피랍됐다가 풀려났다. 우리는 이명박 정부가 “다시는 파병하지 않겠다”던 약속을 번복하고 아프가니스탄에 재파병을 강행한다면 파병 군인들과 국민들이 공격의 표적이 될 것이라고 경고해 왔다. 이번 피랍 사건은 우려가 또다시 현실로 드러난 것으로, 더 큰 재앙을 낳기 전에 파병된 한국군은 즉각 철군해야 한다.

* 전문은 여기1 또는 여기 2 클릭

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5. [사회 진보 연대, 2010년 12월 15일] 이주노조 위원장 탄압 중단하고 이주노동자 결사의 자유 보장하라: 세계 이주민의 날을 맞이하며

발제:

이번 12월 18일은 11번째를 맞이하는 세계 이주민의 날이다. 2000년 12월에 시작된 세계 이주민의 날은 1990년 12월 18일에 UN 총회에서 ‘모든 이주노동자와 그 가족의 권리 보호에 관한 국제협약(이하 이주노동자협약)’이 채택된 것을 기념하는 날이다. 전 세계에서 이주노동자와 그 지지자들은 이 날을 통해 이주민에 대해 차별적이고 억압적인 정책, 노동조건, 사회 관습의 변화를 요구하고 국가가 존중해야 하는 최저 기본 기준을 설정한 이주노동자협약을 비준할 것을 정부에 촉구한다.

* 전문은 여기 클릭

Poster Fwd: Pan-Korean People's Rally on Dec. 18

*Image source: Korean Alliance of Progressive Movements; Pan-Korean Alliance for Reunification, South Korean branch; and many other Korean organization sites

Pan Korean People’s Rally:
Lee Myung-Bak OUT!

No War! Convert the Hyundae irregular jobs to regular jobs!
No ROK-US FTA! No Four River Project!
Seoul Square/ 3pm, Dec. 18, 2010

Click the image for larger view
이미지를 클릭하시면 확대됩니다.

Photos Fwd: [PKAR] Protest denouncing against the irrational security-drive out 비이성적 공안 몰이 규탄

* 국문 기사는 여기를 클릭하세요.

* All the image source: Pan-Korean Alliance for Reunification of Korea (PKAR), Oct. 26, 2010




While the right wing conservative Lee Myung Bak government that has launched in March, 2009 left two more years of its power, its oppression against the unification movement organizations has been continuous. The oppression against the PKAR was one of them. Currently the Lee government has been oppressing another organization named Solidarity for the Practice of the Joint Statement between the South & North Korea (* temporary translation).

The security investigation unit of the Seoul police agency has confiscated and searched the houses of the four former & current staffs of the Solidarity for Practice on last Oct. 19 and a staff in another organization named Research Institute for the Civil Rights. It also issued a restraint warrant to the same organization’s executive chairman.

Some activist organizations such as the Solidarity for Practice, South Korea branch, PKAR, Korean Alliance of the Progressive Movements and Association of the Family for the Democracy Practice held the press interview against such oppression on Oct. 25, 2010.

[Photo Fwd] Commemorating the roots of democracy

Hankyoreh
Commemorating the roots of democracy
June10, 2010

Members of civic organizations lay flowers beneath the portrait of the late Lee Han-yeol on the 23rd anniversary of his death at Yonsei University in Seoul, June 9.

The late Lee was struck in the head and killed by a tear gas canister beside the front gate of Yonsei University during a pro-democracy demonstration against the military dictatorship on June 6, 1987. His death ignited the pro-democracy movement in 1987.

Photos Fwd: A Buddhist Who Immolated against Lee Government’s Four River Project on May 31

* Image source: Pressian

Moonsoo, a Buddhist monk immolated against Lee Myung Bak government's drive for four-river project on May 31, 2010. Her immolation shocked not only the religious communities but all the progressive movements in Korea.
Most religious communities and many Korean people have strongly protested against the four-river project that would eventually destroy all the ecology system in the Korean peninsula.

* Image source: News Charm

* Image source: News Charm

* Image source: Voice of People

* Image source: Voice of People

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* Related article:

Hankyoreh
Four Rivers protests become mainstream religious campaign
: Observers say that rather than political activists, this movement has been spearheaded by mainstream groups
May 11, 2010
(Thankfully informed by J. D. on June 1, 2010)

Text Fwd: COMMENTS ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE JOINT CIVILIAN-MILITARY INVESTIGATION GROUP'S CONCLUSION

COMMENTS ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE JOINT CIVILIAN-MILITARY INVESTIGATION GROUP'S CONCLUSION

"Nothing is covered up that will not become known" Luke 12:2

We, PROK, who have been praying for democracy, peace, and life of Korean society, raise some points responding to the JIG's announcement of the conclusion of its investigation that says South Korean Navy ship Cheonan sank by a North Korean submarine attack with a heavy torpedo.

First of all, we point out that JIG's investigation cannot be fair and objective from the beginning. The Ministry of National Defense and the military, which are the most responsible for the incident took control over the whole investigation. They also made a hasty announcement to meet the first day of the campaign for the coming election on June 2, which left suspicions about the background. If there is any intention to take advantage of 46 young sailors' deaths for any political purpose, it will kill them again.

JIG's announcement did not explain anything but left so many questions among Korean people. Now we are asking the following questions.

1. We cannot understand why the crucial moment of sinking is missing from the footage (TOD). The JIG must also release the records of radio messages exchanged and Cheonan's CCTV recordings.

2. If Cheonan had sunk due to a shockwave and bubble effect by an underwater torpedo explosion, there must be any eyewitness of the giant water pillar. Moreover, most survivors are not suffering from torn eardrums, intestinal damages, fractures, or lacerations which are the general symptoms of torpedo explosion.

3. There were 13 Korean and US up-to-date ships at the West Sea near the scene. They were conducting a joint military drill at that time. Among those 13 ships are Cheonan, a warship to detect and fight with the submarines, torpedoes, airplanes, and missiles, and another warship Aegis specialized in dealing with submarines. Why couldn't any of the super modern ships detect the attack of the North Korean submarines or torpedo?

4. Why was late petty officer Han Joo-ho searching the third location, not the bow or the stern where the sailors were? Why did the American ambassador and the commander of American Army in Korea attend the memorial service for him to express condolences and pay comport money to his family? The JIG must give a clear explanation to the wide spread suspicions of probable clash between the US and Korean ships or mistaken firing between the two.

5. Why have the survivors been strictly separated and controlled since the tragedy happened? Why are they not allowed to say anything about it, though they know the truth best?

According to JIG's announcement, a North Korean submarine attacked Cheonan with a heavy torpedo and escaped without being detected at all. It means President Lee who is in charge of national security should take full responsibility for what happened and apologize to Korean people. The minister of defense, the joint chief of staff, and the naval chief of staff should do the same thing.

JIG's announcement did not answer any of the questions but left more suspicions. Now is the time for the Korean leaders to stop shifting responsibilities but taking them. They have to organize a new investigation group including civilian experts and opposition parties to find the whole truth answering all the questions above.

Once again we express our deepest condolences to the families of the late sailors as we promise to do our best to reveal the truth and take the follow-up measures.

May 20, 2010

Rev. Kwon Young-Joung
Peace and Reunification Committee

Rev. Jeon Byung-Saeng
Church and Society Committee
The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea

Photo Fwd: Ongoing demonstration

Hankyoreh
'Ongoing demonstration
May 21, 2010

Members of MINKAHYUP, a civic organization for the families of prisoners of conscience, hold their 800th Thursday demonstration at Tapgol Park in Seoul, May 20. The Thursday demonstration was initiated by MINKAHYUP to urge the government to repeal the National Security Law in 1993.
They have stated that about 70 prisoners of conscience are still incarcerated in South Korean prisons.'

Photo Fwd: Hand of the bereaved mother

Hankyoreh
Hand of the bereaved mother
Posted on : May.18,2010 12:28 KST
'Mrs. Gu Sun-ak places her hand upon the picture of her deceased son carved into his tombstone during the 30th anniversary of the May 18 Democracy Movement at the May 18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, May 17.

Mrs. Gu’s son, then just 22 years old, was killed during the bloody clash between the authoritarian government’s military troops and protesters at the South Jeolla Provincial Government building in Gwangju in May of 1980.'

Text Fwd: UN Special Rapporteur assesses freedom of expression in S.Korea

'Pastor Choi Hoon-guk shows the fine issued by the police for engaging in a hunger strike in front of the Cheong Wa Dae, May 12. '

Hankyoreh
May.13,2010
UN Special Rapporteur assesses freedom of expression in S.Korea Civic organizations say suppressions of legal assemblies and forced fingerprinting point to the suppression of civil rights

A blocked plaza and widespread police summonses are indicative of the reality that as of May 2010, human rights are in dire straits throughout the Republic of Korea.
Frank Larue is currently visiting South Korea as a Special Rapporteur sent by the UN to investigate the current state of freedom of expression in the country. The current administration and public authorities, however, appear unconcerned with the reality of South Korean human rights from his perspective. On Wednesday morning, Larue began a round of visits to organizations such as the National Police Agency, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) and National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK). Larue also met with officials from the Yongsan Tragedy Countermeasures Committee, Internet commentator “Minerva” Park Dae-seong, and dismissed workers from Ssangyong Motors. But at that moment, citizen expression was still not free: not in Seoul Plaza, not on the Internet, not in the police station holding cells.

At 1 p.m. on Wednesday, groups such as Solidarity of Human Rights Groups held a press conference at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall to decry suppressions of freedom of expression and the mass issuance of summonses. The groups said, “Police have sent summons to those who legally attended reported assemblies.” Three individuals from People’s Solidary for Participatory Democracy (PSPD) were targeted, namely representative Lim Jong-dae, Deputy Secretary General Park Won-seok, and Center for Government Administration Watch secretary Jang Jung-wook, who held an assembly at around 3 p.m. on May 6 at Seoul Plaza to call for guarantees on freedom of expression. It was the first assembly permitted there by police in more than two years, the last having taken place in March 2008.

Police, however, abruptly ruled that the assembly for which they had received proper notification was “illegal,” citing the number of participants and location. Seoul Namdaemun Police Station said, “The initially reported number of participants was fifty, but some 600 people showed up, and the location was near City Hall Subway Station rather than in front of the Plaza Hotel, which was the reported location.”

Police have continued to issue summonses despite objections from civic and social groups. Police sent summonses to Korean Federation of Medical Groups for Human Rights planning bureau head Byeon Hye-jin and Association of Physicians for Humanism Secretary General Lee Sang-yun. The summonses were issued because of a press conference held by the civic group Banollim on May 6 in front of the Samsung Electronics building in Seoul’s Seocho District following the funeral of Park Ji-yeon, a Samsung employee who died of leukemia. Byeon and Lee married last month, and it is the first time a married couple has jointly received summonses.
With police issuing summonses without regard to time, many have received summonses for assemblies that the participants themselves do not remember. KCTU Law Center attorney Kwon Du-seop received a notice to report to police by May 10 regarding a South Korea-U.S. free trade agreement (KORUS FTA) assembly held on March 3, 2007. And Korean Peasants’ League chairman Lee Gwang-seok received a summons in early April to report to Jongno Police Station for questioning regarding a KORUS FTA assembly held on March 25, 2007.

On Tuesday, a human rights activist resisted being forcibly fingerprinted by police at Seoul Geumcheon Police Station. Solidarity of Human Rights Groups activist Nameundeul, anonymous, was arrested by police on charges of violating the Law on Assembly and Demonstration while taking part in a demonstration with two other activists at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza calling for guarantees of freedom of expression. Nameundeul was questioned at the police station after identity confirmation through presenting a passport. The problem arose at the end of the questioning, when police attempted to forcibly collect fingerprints to make an investigation data sheet, to which Nameundeul refused. The activist ended up submitting to fingerprinting when a court identification warrant was issued.
Human rights groups claim that fingerprint collection and sealing fall in the category of one’s right to self-determination and that citizens therefore maintain the right to resist forcible fingerprinting by state organizations. Park Ju-min, an attorney with MINBYUN-Lawyers for a Democratic Society, said, “Even if it is prescribed by law, it is not right to compel fingerprint sealing simply to obtain investigation data.” Park also said, “It is a violation of an individual’s fundamental right of freedom of person.”
Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]
　　 　

Power to the MBC Union Workers! Let's Keep the Right of Speech!

* All the image source: Save Our MBC

* Image source: Save Our MBC'The chair man, Lee Geun-Haeng of the MBC media union workers, has been in hunger strike for 11 days on the date of May 6, 2010'

The union workers of the MBC, one of the main broadcasting companies, have been in strike for a month to keep the right of speech. The MBC headquarter of the Pan-Korean Media Union Workers has joined three times in the total strike of the Media Union Workers against the Lee Myung Bak government’s carrying the vicious media law in the snatched way in the National Assembly. * Image source: Save Our MBC
This time, they are doing again against the new president who was designated by the Lee Myung Bak government that expelled the former president of the MBC.
* Image source: Save Our MBC
The chair man, Lee Geun-Haeng has been in hunger strike for 11 days on the date of May 6, 2010 while 60 union workers have entered the hunger strike supporting him. His health is known to be deteriorating and many people are supporting the MBC.
The MBC headquarter of the Media Union Workers has announced in its special report for the total strike that, “Let each of us becomes the hard wall to save the MBC so that they(government powers) cannot rule on us.”

For more photos, please see HERE.

For other blogs on the struggle of the MBC union workers, see HERE

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The Shouting Is in the Jeju Island, Too, “Let’s Save Our MBC!”

* All the image sources: Lee Miri, Jeju Sori on May 4, 2010

Citizens are gathering around the branch building of the MBC, in the City of Jeju, to express their support to the Jeju MBC union workers who are in the strike, as well. Power to the MBC union workers! Power to the citizens!

Text Fw: Time off allotted for union activities receives drastic cuts

* Image source: same as the below link

Members of labor unions sit in a corridor of the National Labor Relations Commission during the special committee meeting to decide new regulations for paid time off for union activities, April 30. 　

Hankyoreh

Time off allotted for union activities receives drastic cuts
: The measures are expected to result in significant reductions in the number of full-time unionists in the workplace

May 3, 2010

A committee of South Korean labor, management and government representatives has made the decision to drastically cut the time off granted to conduct paid union activities, leading to both a protest from major umbrella unions and a call for the measures to be annulled.

The committee convened a meeting on April 30 at the National Labor Relations Commission office in Seoul’s Mapo district. After fierce debate that lasted until 3 a.m. the next morning, Labor Day, a decision was reached over the time-off limit. The limit grants workplaces with 49 unionists or less 1 thousand hours of paid time-off for union activities, which would account for 0.5 full-time unionists, while those with 99 or less were granted 2 thousand hours. This means that for workplaces with 50-99 union members that have full-time unionists, only one is eligible for paid time-off, while the other officials would not receive salaries if they engage in union activities during work hours.

With this decision, the number of full-time unionists will unavoidably shrink at large workplaces. The committee set for workplaces with 15 thousand unionists or more 28 thousand hours through the end of June 2012, and an extra 2 thousand hours for every additional 3 thousand members, with a limit set at 36 thousand hours. In the case of the Hyundai Motor branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union (KMWU), which currently has about 220 full-time unionists out of 45 thousand members, it would have to lower that number to 18 starting in July 2012. That would comprise 8 percent of the current full-time unionists. The committee said it applied the principle of being generous to those at the bottom and tighter with those at the top, based on union membership numbers.

Both major umbrella unions are strongly protesting the measures, claiming there were procedural problems in the decision and voting process. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) called on the committee to immediately annul the railroaded vote and apologize. KCTU said it would apply for an injunction and launch a struggle to amend the laws invalidate the system.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]

* For more photos, see News Charm

[Translation] U. S. Authority, Refused the ROK Government’s Request of Prohibition of the SPARK’s Entry into the US

* Image source: Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea

'마침내 JFK공항 로비로 나오는 변연식대표와 오혜란 팀장'
Pyon Yeon-Sik, co-representative of the SPARK (right in the photo) and Oh Hye-Ran, Director of the Peace & Disarmament team, SPARK who could eventually come into the lobby of the JFK airport on April 29, 2010.
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* See also Bruce Gagnon's blog, HERE. Thanks, Bruce Gagnon.
브루스 개그논 블로그를 보세요. 감사합니다. 브루스 개그논.
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* Below is the arbitrary translation of the linked article.

Tongil News

“미 당국, 한국의 평통사 입국금지 요청 거부”
“U. S. Authority, Refused the ROK Government’s Request of Prohibition of the SPARK’s Entry into the US”

2010년 4월 30일, 금
Friday, April 30, 2010

오혜란 (평통사 평화군축팀장)
Oh Hye-Ran, Director of the Peace & Disarmament team, SPARK


: 평통사 변연식 대표, 오혜란 팀장, JFK 공항에서 미국 입국 못하고 3시간 동안 억류
: 한국 경찰의 미국 입국 금지요청.. 까다롭기로 유명한 미국 보안요안들도 납득 못해

: Pyon Yeon-Sik, Co-representative of the SPARK and Oh Hye-Ran, Director of the Peace & Disarmament team, SPARK, Restrained for three hours in the JFK airport, without being able to enter into the US, [for Three Hours]
: The South Korean police’s request of the prohibition of our entry into the US.. that could not persuade even the US security officers who are well known to be fastidious

변연식, 고영대, 오혜란, 박석진 등으로 구성된 평통사(평화와통일을여는사람들) NPT(핵무기비확산조약) 1)평가회의 대표단이 현지시간 4월 29일 오전 10시경 뉴욕 JFK 공항에 도착했다. 그러나 변연식 공동대표와 오혜란 팀장은 한국 경찰의 미국 입국 금지 요청이 있었다는 이유로 3시간 동안 억류상태에 있었다.

The delegates of the SPARK(Solidarity for Peace And Reunification of Korea), composed of Pyon Yeon-Sik, Ko Young-Dae, Oh Hye-Ran and Park Suk-Jin, for the NPT evaluation meeting arrived in the JFK airport, New York, around 10am on April 29(New York time). However, Pyon Yeon-Sik, co-representative of the SPARK and Oh Hye-Ran, Director of the Peace Disarmament Team, SPARK have been restrained for three hours for the reason that there was the South Korean police’s request not to permit entry [of the two] into the U.S..

JFK 공항에서 입국 심사 중에 "잠깐 이쪽으로 오세요"라고 해서 따라 갔더니 미 국토보호부 마크가 선명하게 새겨진 방문객 및 국경보호국이 운영하는 입국 심사장이었다. 핸드폰이 울려 받으려고 했더니 보안요원들이 손을 들어 목을 치는 시늉을 하면서 "핸드폰은 사용금지"란다. 행동에 제약을 받기 시작했으니 억류나 다름없다.

As the two of us heard the words of “Please come here for a moment” during the entry review in the JFK airport and followed the callers, the place where we arrived was the entry review office operated by the US Customs and Border Protection, where the US Department of Homeland Security mark was clearly inscribed. As I tried to receive my cell phone ringing, the security members imitating of cutting the neck with their hands, said that “Use of mobile phone is not allowed.” It was nothing but the restraint as we became to get the restriction on our actions.

보안 요원들은 한국 경찰에 체포된 적이 있는지, 무슨 문제가 있었는지 물어보더니 한국 경찰이 두 사람을 찾고 있다는 것이다. 여권 발행하고 출국 허가 내줄 때는 언제고 이제 와서 찾고 있다니 무슨 일인지 납득 할 수 없는 상황이었다. 그래서 "평택미군기지, 용산, 키 리졸브 연습 등에 반대하는 기자회견을 개최한 바 있고 이 때문에 조사받거나 연행된 적은 있다. 그러나 여권발급과정에서 문제가 없었고 검사도 출국 허가서를 내줬다. 비자도 있고 미국 입국 목적도 명확하다. 유엔에서 발행한 등록서류를 가지고 있다. 뭐가 문제인가"라고 대답했더니 NPT 회의 참가 등록서류를 보여달라고 했다.

The Security members after asking whether we have been arrested or we have had any problems or not, told that the South Korean police were looking for two of us. What an inconvincible situation to hear that they were looking for us now as [the ROK authority] has already issued our passports and permitted our departure! So we answered that, “We have held the press interview in the Pyeongteak US base, Yongsan, against the Key Resolve military exercise and have been investigated and even taken away. However, there was no problem during the passport issue process and the prosecutor has given us the documents of permission for departure. We have the visas and our entry purpose is clear. We have the registration documents issued by the UN. What is the problem?” and they asked us to show the registration documents on the participation of the NPT meeting.

서류를 찾아 건네주고 나서도 무려 3시간 가까이 보안요원들은 여기저기 통화하고 자기들끼리 의견을 주고받더니 입국허가를 내주겠다며 불렀다. 이대로 묵과할 수 없다는 생각에 "한국경찰이 왜 우리를 찾는가, 뭐가 문제인가"라고 물었더니 예상과 달리 자세하게 설명하기 시작했다.

Even after they returned us back the documents, the security members called here and there for near three hours then sharing opinion themselves, called us saying that they would give us the entry permission. With the thought that we should not be silent on it, we asked them, “Why the ROK police are finding us? What is the problem?” and they began to explain in detail, different from our expectation.

한국 관련 당국(경찰과 국정원)이 말하기를 변연식, 오혜란 두 사람이 여러 차례 군사연습(Military Exercises)에 대해 정치적 항의(Political Protest)를 했고 연행된 적도 있으니 입국을 금지시키고 한국으로 되돌려 보내(Send Back) 해달라고 요청했다는 것이다.

They said that the South Korean authority (police and the National Intelligence Service) have told them since [we], Pyon Yeon-Sik and Oh Hye-Ran had done the political protests against the military exercises many times and had even been taken away, therefore asked them to prohibit our entry into here and send us back [to South Korea].

"문제가 왜 문제가 되는지 이유를 모르겠다. 미국에서도 시위를 많이 한다. 우리들도 임금이 적으면 올려달라고 데모할 수 있다"며 "한국 경찰은 두 사람이 국내법을 위반했다고 말하지만 한국 정부가 여권을 발행했고 미국 방문 목적도 명확한데, 입국을 금지해달라는 요청은 '상식 밖'(out of sense)'다. 그래서 두 사람에 대한 한국 정부의 입국 금지 요청을 거부했다"고 말했다. 평화적 집회나 기자회견마저 불법시하고 이를 이유로 입국 금지를 요청하는 이명박 정권의 행태를 납득하기 어렵다는 것이다.

Saying that, “We don’t know what the problem is. There are lots of protests in the United States as well. We can protest to raise our wage if it is low as well,” they told that, “Even though the South Korean police said the two [of you] violated the domestic law, since the ROK government has issued your passports and your purpose to visit the United States is clear so its request to prohibit your entry is ‘out of sense.’ Therefore we refused the South Korean government’s request of prohibition of your entry to here.” It was their talk that they could not understand the Lee Myung-Bak government’s behavior to even illegalize the peaceful rally and press interview and to request the prohibition of our entry into here for the reason of it.

출국허가를 해놓고 뒤에서 장난질 치는 이명박 정권의 행태가 미국 보안 요원의 입을 통해 확인된 것이다. 까다롭기로 소문난 미국 보안요원이 들어도 납득할 수 없는 이유를 들어 NPT평가회의에 대응한 시민사회단체의 활동에 제약을 가해보려는 치졸한 작태를 이명박 정권은 즉각 중단해야한다.

We could confirm the behavior of Lee Myung Bak government who, while permitting our departure, but kidded behind us, through the mouth of the US security officer. The Lee Myung-Bak government should immediately stop its crude behavior to control the activities of the civil social organizations by taking the inconvincible reasons even to the US security officers who are well known to be fastidious.

Video Fw: We Are the Gangjeong People

*It is from the Gangjeong Village Council café site. According to the site the video was informed, anonymous person living in Seoul contributed the video for the Gangjeong villagers who have been struggling against the Jeju naval base plan, on July 18, 2009. You can see many other good Korean videos on the struggle against the Jeju naval base plan, HERE. The rough (not including all the details) translation of the man’s narration is as the below video.
________________________________________________________________
See Bruce Gagnon's blog. Thanks, Bruce (click)
브루스 개그논 블로그를 보세요(클릭)
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We Are the Gangjeong People (Site URL)



We are the Gangjeong people.
Four hundred years ago, our ancestors founded their place here where water is clean and the landscape is beautiful.
The sea is the indigo blue as to make my eyes cool.
The row stone walls are that I depended upon when I learned my first walking
The allies are where I played with my friends not knowing the sun’s already setting.
On the way to school, I used to see the Beom Island beyond the row walls. And my grandfather's tomb.
Until the day becomes dark, I used to rise on the bank and played with my younger brother, waited for my father’s fishing boat returning back.
During the day of hot sun-lays, my mother used to work in the farms.
I can not forget the shining sun-lays on my mother's back whenever she returned home.
Unnoticed, I grew up and met my lover.
Became to have the children whom I will not feel the pain even though I put in my two eyes.
I raised them with love, here in Gangjeong.
We are the Gangjeong people.
We have never sold Gangjeong. We have never given up Gangjeong.
Until the hot blood in our bodies become cold, we cannot stop fighting.
We are the Gangjeong people.
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* For the 'embed' of video, click the letters in the furthest right at the bottom inside the video. The Korean letter is '퍼가기'. If you see the box, then, click the 'embed' in the middle of box. Then click the square button next to it. The Korean letter, ' 복사하기' means 'copy.' The HTML code for ' embed' is copied then.

Photo Fw: Protesting police interference

Hankyoreh, March 30, 2010

Protesting police interference

'University students stage a protest to voice public opposition to the fact that police officers requested that some universities submit personal information of certain students who had used specific IP addresses.

Photo by Kim Tae-hyung/The Hankyoreh'

[Video Fwd] On the 50th Anniversary of 3.15 People’s Uprising in Masan

Tomorrow is the 50th anniversary of 3.15 people’s uprising in City of Masan in the Gyungsangnam-do, a province in the southern part of Korea. The 3.15 people’s uprising in Masan in 1960 was the beginning that has eventually led to 4.19 people’s uprising against the Lee Seung-Man dictatorship in the same year.

Many activists and artists here in Korea see the current Lee Myung Bak government as the return of the dictatorship(backed by the United States government) that has dominated South Korea from 1945 to 1992. Korea Report has uploaded the video on people’s uprising on April 19, 1960. I upload it here, as well, to remind the Korean history for us. The video made by the 'Memorial association of 4.19 revolution' starts with the title, " You, the inflamed of blood, dream the April 19 Revolution-cry toward the world of contradiction and lie (arbitrary translation)". The song,'Brush, Brush, Green Brush' has been one of the popular songs during the people's uprising in the 80s, in South Korea.





Brush, Brush, Green Brush (arbitrary translation of the below)

In this divided world where the severe wind blows and mother’s tear pierces my heart,
For the true world & freedom in which people’s spirit becomes the master,
I will row the river even though I may become black and blue watered like sagebrush.
Brush, brush, green brush, don’t tremble by the early wind.
In the place where I am tied under the iron bars, I will see you while I am alive.

솔아, 솔아, 푸르른 솔아

거센 바람이 불어와서 어머님의 눈물이 가슴속에 사무쳐 오는 갈라진 이 세상에
민중의 넋이 주인되는 참 세상 자유 위하여 시퍼렇게 쑥물 들어도 강물 저어 가리라.
솔아 솔아 푸르른 솔아, 샛바람에 떨지 말아.
창살아래 내가 묶인 곳, 살아서 만나리라.

The Last Hope: MBC Media Workers Struggle against the Government's attempt to Control Right of Speech

* Image source: Hankyoreh, March 3, 2010

'Kim Jae-chul, the new president of MBC, is blocked by MBC Union members
in front of the broadcaster’s headquarters in Seoul’s Yeouido, Mar. 3.'


A MBC Union worker announcing the MBC union workers' determination to fight against
the government & corporation control of media rights in the rally for keeping democracy and
against the Lee Myung-bak government on Feb. 20, 2010.
_______________________________________________________________________________________

It has been more than a year that the media workers in the main broadcasting companies in South Korea have fought against the government attempt to control the right of speech in the broadcasting companies.

One of the most representing examples happened during the people’s mass resistance against the US beef import under the suspicion of mad cow disease. The ‘PD Notebook’, a renowned investigative news show, MBC program had reported about the issues and problems of the US beef import and the Lee Myung-Bak government indicted the producer and writer of the program to the court. (However, the court judged ‘no guilty’ to the indicted at the end of last month.)

The Lee government has begun to plant his parachute personnel as the presidents of the cable and broadcasting companies including YTN, KBS and others, despite strong resistance of the union workers there and on July 22, 2009, finally passed the vicious media bill in which most the media was aimed under the control of government, corporations and right wing media.

Not only main broadcasting companies, but people's media have been severely oppressed regarding the right of speech as well. See HERE.

The MBC is the last one among the main broadcasting companies that the Lee government attempts to control the free speech right by putting Lee’s acquaintance to the president of the MBC.

It is sorry that I could find MBC’s Youtube message a year ago (before the pass of vicious media law), only today. In the video below, you can hear MBC union workers’ fighting words against the Lee government and appeal to the people in the world, in each of English, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Japanese, following the Korean remarks. Please wait for the languages other than Korean with patience. The Youtube up-loader thankfully translated all the words in English. I copy his/her description here.

______________________________________________________________________

‘Korean MBC Message to the world 'fight against Control of Speech in Korea'
(video URL, Feb 27, 2009)



‘http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/341254.html
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/341029.html
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/331095.html
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/330938.html

This isn't the world's best video describing what's happening in South Korea but this is the only video we have at the moment. Yes, it's bit amatuer but even this video is being deleted by the Korean search engine sites like Naver.com by the pressure of the Korean government. I did add English subtitles and it would be great if other people can help me to translate what they are saying in other languages. Thanks

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/341028.htmlMBC
calls on the world to fight against the bill
proposed to abridge the freedom of speech in South Korea

Kim Jeong-Geun (김정근): Urgent breaking news from MBC, Korean National Union of Media Workers headquarter. Grand National Party (GNP), governing party of South Korea, is trying to take full control of South Korean media by forcefully and foully passing the bill proposed to abridge the freedom of speech and expression in South Korea. South Korean democracy is also in danger. And we want to let the world know of the current situation in South Korea. Here are the messages from MBC anchors and reporters, all of whom are members of Korean National Union of Media Workers.

Choi Hyeon-Jung (최현정): This is an urgent message. It's been only a year since President Lee took office. However, our nation's foundation of liberal democracy is on the verge of collapsing. The ruling GNP is trying to push a legislation to restrict the freedom of speech without agreement from the opposition. In Korea, this is called "Nal-Chi-Gi," which means rushing the bill through. This is raising a lot of public anger and Korea is on the brink of losing our freedom of speech.

Bang Hyeon-Joo (방현주): South Korean democracy is in danger. 1.3 billion People of China, please call Ko Heung-Gil of GNP and protest, "What's wrong with you? You work like an amateur!" And make another call to Kim Hyong-O, Speaker of the National Assembly and protest, "The whole world is watching! We won't stand any nonsense!"

Lee Dong-Hee (조동희): In South Korea, many words are becoming obsolete: Democracy, common sense, communication, freedom of speech. How could that happen? The ruling party is trying to reverse the clock of history. South Korean democracy has retrogressed and dictatorship has risen from the dead.

Ha Ji-Eun (하지은): The GNP swears they will restore the economy by revising the press law. Please! Tell it to the marines!! I'll tell you again. It's an absolute, nonsense, total lie. By the way, a Japanese word was heard, out of the blue, at the National Assembly of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Broadcasting Committee.

Assemblyman (GNP): "Don't barge in. We cannot pass the bill as you're "Gensei"-ing and barging in. So just listen."

Ha Ji-Eun (하지은): What we want to hear from the GNP is not "Gensei" but "Smimasen" (Sorry).

Kim Jeong-Geun (김정근): To protect South Korean democracy, we will fight until the end. We want you to join us.

"Fight against the control of speech!"
"Fight for the freedom of speech!"

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/341430.html
[Analysis] GNP steps up attacks on National Assembly speaker
Ruling party is increasing its efforts to have controversial legislation passed, raising concerns that it has crossed a line (Feb.28,2009)

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/341439.html
Killer conceits (Feb.28,2009)

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/334072.html
Searing truth (Jan.19,2009)

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/332436.html
Don’t mess with the man (Jan.10,2009)

http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_entertainment/331327.html
Bigger portions, please (Jan.5,2009)