By Lee Kyung-min
Han Sang-gyun, the leader of an umbrella union group, refused to leave Jogye Temple in Seoul, Monday, where he has been taking refuge to avoid police arrest.
He previously promised to leave the sanctuary Sunday if Saturday’s anti-government rally was peaceful.
Police are mulling various measures to get Han out of the temple, including force.
Han’s breaking of his promise may have a negative influence on the image of civic and labor groups, which had become positive following the peaceful demonstration.
The head of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has been hiding there since the first massive rally on Nov. 14. He had been on the police’s wanted list for orchestrating a number of illegal rallies since last year.
On Monday morning, KCTU members held a press conference at the temple to deliver a statement from Han who has decided to stay in the temple until the government and the National Assembly scrap a labor reform bill which the KCTU opposes.
“I am afraid to announce that I am unable to come out from here, because I cannot betray 20 million laborers’ wish to block the labor reform bill,” Han said in the statement.
He said he had been thinking about what to do, especially because Buddhists at the temple have demanded he leave.
“I will not avoid legal responsibility if only I can stop the retrogressive labor bill,” he said. “But not now, the government and the Assembly are trying to push ahead with the bill through my arrest.”
Han said he seeks understanding from temple officials as well as believers. “If the bill is not passed, I’ll surrender to police, and I promise I won’t flee.”
Following Han’s decision, the National Police Agency (NPA) said it would not forcibly enter the premises to detain him for now; but that is a last resort.
“We are facing mounting criticism from the public, as people say we should take action against Han who refuses to abide by the law despite the issuance of an arrest warrant,” said Commissioner General Kang Sin-myeong during a press briefing at the NPA building in Seoul.
Kang said he is not currently considering entering the temple premises. “We can take measures step by step, such as asking temple officials to allow us to enforce the law. But if the temple officials and the KCTU do not reach a solution, police will have fewer options,” he said, indicating forcible measures had not been ruled out.
He also said police beefed up their guard around the temple to prevent Han from fleeing the scene.
Temple officials have become embarrassed, as they also believed Han would voluntarily leave after Saturday’s rally that proceeded peacefully.
Ven. Dobeob, who has been in charge of mediating between the government and the KCTU, expressed his regret over Han’s insistence on staying.
“We had a closed-door meeting twice on Sunday and Monday,” he said. “We asked him to leave since the second rally ended peacefully, but Han refused.”
Physical clashes may occur between Han and believers, as the latter have strongly demanded Han leave, saying his stay disturbs their right to meditate in silence. After a previous clash on Nov. 30, the Buddhists set the deadline of Sunday, which Han agreed to at that time.