Rally Against Labor Reforms In South Korea Turns Into Largest Anti-Government Demonstration In Years

Dozens of people were arrested during a rally against labor reforms over the weekend, according to Reuters.

The protest, which turned violent, became the largest anti-government demonstration in South Korea’s capital of Seoul in more than seven years, according to the news outlet The Miami Herald.

About 70,000 people reportedly allied with labor, civic and famers’ groups in order to oppose President Park Geun Hye’s labor policies and a decision to require middle and high schools to use only state-issued history textbooks starting 2017.

During the protest, activists reportedly tried to move some of the buses by pulling ropes they had tied to the vehicles. Police reportedly used water cannons to separate the crowd and sprayed liquid laced with chili pepper to fight off protesters.

“The government was fully prepared to guarantee a lawful and peaceful rally, but some people came prepared with illegal equipment such as steel pipes and conducted a violent protest," Justice Minister Kim Hyun-woong told a news conference.

“These activities were a grave challenge to law and order and public authority, and they will not be tolerated."

Police reportedly stated they could possibly detain more people, including those who they believe might have had larger roles in organizing the protests.

Labor groups have reportedly been denouncing government attempts to change labor laws to allow more freedom for companies when firing employees. Policymakers reportedly stated that this would be important in improving a fallen job market for younger people who are just graduating.

“It [The protest] was led by some of the most organized elements -- labor, farm, anti-poverty activists, which was a little different from when there was more public participation," said Yu Chang-seon, an independent political commentator.

About 10 protesters were reportedly injured.

A 69-year-old farmer, Baek Nam-gi, reportedly remained unconscious at a hospital after he fell and injured his head following being hit with water cannons near City Hall, according to Cho Byung-ok, secretary general of the Korea Peasants League.