People Power 2017

This month of PSPD

As a season changes by the natural order, the wind starts to get chilly. People usually call the autumn the time of ‘the sky is high and clear and horses grow fat and sturdy’. Here is another idiom referring horses ‘Pushing horses to a greater speed’. Activities of PSPD last month was like whipping horses to run faster. Wishing for the government and the National Assembly not to miss what citizens hope for democracy, justice and peace, PSPD has been busy with urging what have to be urged, and checking and criticizing powers and groups which obstruct reform process. Followings are what PSPD has done last month.

Call for plaintiffs for damage and compensation lawsuit against unfair employment at Gangwon Land

Unjust employment scandal at Gangwon Land revealed last September made many people angry. In cooperation with youth groups, PSPD has reported Kwon Seong-dong and Yeom Dong-yeol of Liberty Korea Party on 27 September for the charge of inappropriate solicitation for employment. Prosecutors have already set their hands to reinvestigate the case but it is to give pressure for proper investigation.

Furthermore, PSPD has called for plaintiffs from 18 October who will file for damage and compensation against Gangwon Land. Applications will be received till the second week of November and it is open to people who had applied for High One trainee at the 1st job opening in 2012 and the 2nd in 2013. In addition to giving criminal punishment to the people who requested unfair employment and who were hired by that solicitation, those employers will be also asked for civil responsibilities for breaking the faith of job applicants who believed recruitment process would be fair. Please contact PSPD if you would like to take part in the legal action. 

Completed relaying legislation request to reform Election Law 

PSPD has been working for a long time to adopt mixed-member proportional voting system which allocates seats according to votes gained by party for the purpose of expanding freedom to expression of voters and rights to vote. This year, PSPD has formed ‘Joint Action for Political Reform’ with various social organizations and taken the charge of major clerical works.

Relaying legislation request made by various fields of our society started on 11 September and ended with women activists on 17 October. During the period, followings have been demanded. △ Make a law to give a right to vote to age 18 and straw vote △ Mixed-member proportional voting, Improve local election system △ Lower down age of eligibility for election and give quota to the youth △ Adopt mixed-member voting system for local councils △ Permit local parties and secure proportional seat allocation in local election △ Secure basic political rights to teachers and public servants △ Adopt mixed-member proportional voting, Secure transparency of political fund.

PSPD has participated in ‘Meeting for Public-Politic solidarity to reform election law’ on 27 September. Lawmakers from four major parties except Liberty Korea, and civil and social organizations came together for the discussion and agreed to put effort to adopt mixed-member proportional voting system. Participants include Lee Jong-geol and Kim Du-gwan of the Minju, Jeong Dong-young and Chun Jeong-bae, Park Ju-hyun of the People’s Party, Jeong Yang-seok of the Bareun Party and Sim Sang-jeong and Chu Hye-seon of the Justice Party. 

One year since Candle Civil Revolution began

As of 29 October, it became one year since outraged citizens at Park Geun-hye and Choi Sun-sil’s monopolizing national administration began to hold candles. For the first five months until impeachment of the president was decided, what the people have shown have impressed all of us and left in our hearts. Having the first anniversary of candle civil revolution, ‘Candles do not stop’ events and rallies were held on 28 October at Seoul Gwanghwamun Square by ‘Committee to commemorate records of action to dismiss’ succeeding ‘Action to dismiss’ which had looked after preparation and rallies of candle revolution. 

People’s Constitutional Revision Net held a discussion inviting advisors of Special Committee for Constitutional Revision

PSPD has established People’s Constitutional Revision Net (People Leading Constitutional Revision Network) on 12 October in collaboration with civil and social organizations and currently 119 organizations are participating nationwide.

Special Committee for Constitutional Revision in the National Assembly has been talking about ‘Public oriented constitutional revision’ and had toured provinces holding ‘National Forum’ but not in a way for ordinary citizens to conveniently participate. In addition, free speak out platform for constitutional revision was set up just at one corner of the National Assembly. Especially last February, the Committee did not accept advisors’ report drafted and submitted by 53 advisors from 6 departments and even refused to disclose the contents in despite of advisor groups were formed by the committee itself in order to listen different and broad opinions. Therefore, People’s Constitutional Revision Net has invited the advisors and held a discussion ‘Direction and issues of People Leading Constitutional Revision’ at 10am on Wednesday 18 October at a conference room of National Assembly Members Hall. Head of Policy Team gave a designated discussion.

Published employment status of retirees from financial authorities

There is a system to restrict and examine employment of retired public servants in order to prevent unjust acts or deal of public servants due to retire from giving favors to a company or organization for the purpose of getting a position after retirement, and to block possibility to exercise improper influence to government or public organizations. However, some point out restriction is too loose.

On 18 October, PSPD has released <Employment status of retirees from Ministry of Planning and Finance, Financial Service Commission and Financial Supervisory Service from 2011 to 2017>. From June 2016 to June 2017, 48 retirees were screened for eligibility of getting a position at financial or related institutes and 43, that is 90% received approval.

Peace actions to stop arms trade

Seoul ADEX (International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition) was nicely wrapped with air show, aerobatic flights, future-oriented weapons made by cutting-edge technology, events and exhibitions but the true face was homicide weapon market. Behind roaring sound of air show, there were arms traders from all over the world and autocratic states and countries at war were not exception.

‘Protest Actions against ADEX’ which PSPD and other peace organizations worked together described ADEX as below. International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition which is held from 17 to 22 October is named ADEX by Seoul Airport. The title sounds good but it is an exhibition of high-tech weapons.

PSPD picketed “Death Market ADEX, Stop war trading” on 16 October at a welcome reception which was held for arms traders. It also organized a lecture ‘Growth of Korean defense industry’ on the 18 and promotion campaign on 21 October at ADEX Exhibition entrance, Seongnam Seoul Airport for citizens who had visited the arms exhibition.

People Power 2017
This month of PSPD
 

PSPD’s 23rd Anniversary reception was held on 14 September and more than 400 members and citizens have come to celebrate. Once more, it was the time to bear in mind what PSPD as a civil organization exists for. ‘What citizen’s dream will come true’ as the motto of the anniversary reception says, PSPD will work hard to make members and citizens dream for the better society and the more peaceful world. The first anniversary of the candle revolution is around the corner. PSPD will do the best for the candle revolution started with the first action of the people on 29 October last year in Cheonggye square to advance democracy and improve real daily life of ordinary people. We hope you have fruitful and great Chuseok holiday and autumn.  

 
The facts of Beak Nam-ki, a deceased farmer case must be investigated this time

On behalf of the government, a Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon made a formal apology on 19 September in respect to the case of Beak Nam-ki, a deceased farmer who was stroke and dead by water cannon shot by the police. Lee defined the case as abusing entrusted power given by the people and took a life and said to conduct complete investigation and ask legal responsibility. Furthermore, he promised to reform system and culture to prevent same kinds of unfortunate accidents. It seems late but what has to be done. PSPD released comments right after the apology and urged to find the truth, punish the responsible and improve the system to prevent further cases. No one should become a victim of government’s violence any more.  

‘National Network for people to lead constitutional revision (provisional)’ established

While special committee for constitutional revision in the National Assembly is touring across the nation to hold discussions on revision of the constitution, civil societies have established preparation committee <National Network for people to lead constitutional revision> after having discussions for two months. What the network emphasizes is to secure actual participation of ordinary citizens in revision process and the contents should be oriented to increase not only basic rights but also social and economic rights. PSPD will try to respond well to constitutional revision issue which could seriously affect the future of Korea.

Allies with KBS and MBC union to straighten up public broadcasting

From midnight 4 September onwards, KBS and MBC unions have gone on strike urging to straighten up public broadcasting and overnight rally is being held every Friday. From hundreds to thousands of people participate in rallies shouting ‘MBC, KBS! Please come back’. PSPD also released a statement supporting actions of unions and is joining in Friday rallies. The strikes of two major broadcasters sparked empathy of the people that various fields of our society said to support and fight together demanding to return public broadcasting service back to normal which have been destroyed by Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye administration. Civil Candle Revolution can be completed by rooting out corruptions and malpractices. Most of all, the press which have deceived and disguised the eyes and ears of the people must be cleaned off. Wish for the victory of ‘MBC, KBS! Please come back’

Court rules to disclose special activity expenses of the National Assembly 

PSPD won another important lawsuit for public interest. Seoul Administrative Court ruled that “special activity expenses of the National Assembly needs to be disclosed in terms of satisfying people’s right to know and securing transparency and legitimacy of lawmakers’ activities. Rejecting an argument of secretariat office of the National Assembly that disclosing special activity expense account would harm important benefit of the state, the court pointed out there is no check and control over from budget allocation to execution that it needs to open the expenditure to the people in principle.

Hence, PSPD urges the secretariat office to accept the court’s decision and transparently disclose it. In relation to this, there is ‘Committee to promote giving up lawmakers’ privileges’ under speaker of National Assembly and PSPD also requested the speaker in October 2016 to prepare measures to decrease special activity costs and increase transparency of execution. The secretariat office should try to abolish special activity account or clearly open how it is spent if truly necessary to execute.

Condolence to Cho Young-sam, an advocate of peace who opposed THAAD and the war

Cho Young-sam set fire to himself and died on 20 September. He left a letter protesting against THAAD deployment for US Army in Korea and appealed to realize the peace in Korean peninsula and proper reform. Together with National Action to stop THAAD deployment in Korea, Seongju residents Committee for THAAD withdrawal from Sosung, Kimcheon citizens Committee for No THAAD deployment, Won Buddhism emergency Committee for protecting Seongju, Daeju and Gyeongbuk Committee for No THAAD deployment, Busan Ulsan and Kyungnam Committee, Seongju Struggle Committee for THAAD withdrawal, Won Buddhism Civil Society Network, PSPD presented a condolence statement on 20 September expressing deep sorrow for such a mournful incident. They also held a press conference and demanded to withdraw THAAD deployment to both Korea and US governments.

On the other hand, it was the 400th day on 24 September since Kimcheon residents started candle rally against THAAD. PSPD activists and members also held a candle rally in Seoul on the same day. THAAD threatens the peace in Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia and there is no benefit but harm. Hence, PSPD will continue fighting to withdraw THAAD deployment. Once more, we would like to pay condolence to Cho Young-sam who tried to be priming water for THAAD withdrawal and the peace.

Request to investigate corrupted recruitment of public organizations and punish the responsible

A scandal frustrating the young Korean occurred again. The Board of Audit and Inspection announced the result of inspecting governance and human resource management of public organizations on 5 September and said more than 100 people have been unjustly hired to public organizations. Especially 493 out of 518 got a job at Gangwon Land by improper solicitation and the Hankyoreh Daily exposed it on 11 September. It has been found that secretaries of Kwon Seon-dong, a lawmaker of Liberty Korea Party have been recruited at Gangwon Land and Mine Reclamation Corporation and a suspicion rose for a niece of Lee Jeong-hyun, a former president of Saenuri Party for getting a job at Korea Aviation Industry by the backdoor.

While thousands of young people are having trouble in finding a job, young job seekers would deeply feel lost and deprived. Hence, Youth PSPD urged to investigate it strictly and punish people involved in requesting and accepting recruitment favor including Kwon Seon-dong and Lee Jeong-hyun, and reported them to the prosecutors jointly with Youth Union and other youth organizations on 25 September. The Youth PSPD has reported Choi Kyung-hwan, a lawmaker of Liberty Party Korea last year who illegally requested pubic corporation to hire his interns. Corrupted recruitment solicitation must be rooted out.

Joint Action for Political Reform submitted a petition to appeal three agenda and eleven tasks regarding to politic relation law

“Politic! Please listen to what people say!” <Joint Action for Political Reform> consisted of 422 labor, civil and social organizations nationwide presented three agenda and eleven tasks on 12 September and submitted a petition accordingly to the National Assembly Law. In the petition, the Joint Action argued that impeachment of a president proved that political system needs to improve fundamentally. Keys of representative democracy are election law and political party law associated with that election law that democracy cannot be realized without having the right system. In addition, it suggested three agenda including reforming the election law as people demand, diversity and increasing female participation and expanding the right to participate making everyone’s politic possible.

In terms of reforming the election law as people demand, it suggests followings △ Adopt mixed member proportional voting △ Increase number of seats of lawmakers without budget increase △Secure proportionality for local government council △ Adopt runoff for presidential and local governor elections. Regarding to diversity and expanding female participation, proposals are as below. △Mitigate political party establishment conditions and acknowledge local political party △strengthen female proportion system, △ Abolish numbering party, and lower down deposit of candidates and election costs conservation level. In respect to ‘Expand the right to vote to make everyone’s politic possible, followings are recommended △Secure the right to vote and eligibility for election to age 18 or older, and guarantee political activities of the youth, △Secure the right to expression of voters including abolition of Article 93 of the Election Law, △Guarantee basic political rights for teachers and public servants, △ Secure the right to vote including extending voting hours.
 

People Power!
This month of the PSPD

The year 2017 has come. I wish you a happy New Year and hope you share blessings with neighbors. People tend to forget past years when a new year comes. I guess that is because to receive a new year with fresh mind. However, I wish the atmosphere of 2016 continues in 2017.

We have witnessed corruption and injustice through the Park Geun-hye - Choi Soon-sil Gate. PSPD will do the best to break them up and bring the fever and passion of citizens demonstrated in streets and daily scenes to correct Korea. Please give us a concern and support.   

2016 Whistle Blowers for public interest

<2016 Whistle Blowers for Public Interest and Righteous Citizen Awards> was held on 2 December in the warm and friendly mood. The Righteous Citizen Awards of PSPD was established in 2010 for the purpose of praising courage of whistle blowers for public interest who contribute to correct lies and wrongdoing by reporting corruption, waste of budget, and unconscionable acts to concerned authorities, the press or civil organizations. Candidates recommended by various fields were reviewed and six were selected for the awards. They were awarded with a plague and prize.

The awardees of 2016 include two chosen by PSPD who informed mass infection of hepatitis type C outbreak in Dana clinic, Kim Jeong-mi who reported Inganwon, a facility for the handicapped for subsidy embezzlement and violence against the handicapped and Cho Han-jun who reported starch producer Shinsong Industry for using rotten flour. Choi Sung-jo raised suspicion that Korea United Pharmaceutical falsely claim pharmaceutical costs and Kim Cheol-woo reported former president of Suwon Women University for embezzling school administration expense.
 

Urgent action to open the National Assembly Square to the public
Any citizen of Korea should be able to watch resolution process of impeachment and deliver opinions to lawmakers in person at the National Assembly on the day. Nevertheless, people were not able to watch the resolution of impeaching Park Geun-hye closely at the National Assembly Hall on 9 December. Starting on 6 December, PSPD is carrying out a campaign to collect citizens’ signatures urgently demanding to open the National Assembly Square to the public. It also presented a statement urging to open and a press release introducing cases of other countries.

PSPD has been demanding it for a long time. In 2013, it carried out a project campaign <Open National Assembly, Communicate Politics>and already presented a report how front courts of national assembly were used in overseas. Even though our demand was not responded this time, PSPD will continue this activity.    

A Forum <Desirable procedure of Impeachment trial> held

The National Assembly has accepted demand of the people and decided to impeach the President Park, and the Constitutional Court has set its hands to judge the impeachment. In regard to impeachment trial, there are issues to look into such as the nature and procedure of trial, evidence standard and criminal charges. Therefore, PSPD held a forum <Desirable procedure of impeachment trial> on 21 December in cooperation with Political Party Law Research Center of Korea University and Democratic Legal Studies Association. In the forum, Han Sang-hee, a law chool professor of Konkuk University, Kim Seon-teak, a law school professor of Korea University and Seo Bo-hak, a law school professor of Kyunghee University explained the nature and procedure of impeachment and spoke about their own opinions.

<Allegations and subjects Special Prosecutors must investigate to find the truth>
On 16 December, PSPD pointed out limitations of Special Investigation which has probed Park Geun-hye Choi Soon-sil scandal for monopolizing the state administration, and listed and presented a written opinion <Allegations and subjects Park Young-soo, a special prosecutor must investigate to find the truth>. Main suggestions include △ Kim Ki-choon, a former chief secretary for aiding, abetting and assisting Park and Choi to monopolize the state administration △ Woo Byung-woo, a former chief secretary for civil affairs for aiding, abetting and assisting Park and Choi to monopolize the state administration △ Economy and Politics Cronyism and bribery between Park Geun-hye and Chabeols. △ Park Geun-hye for dereliction of president’s duty in regard to the day Sewol Ferry sank and Hwang Gyo-an for concealing the responsibility of the government.

PSPD has opened the secretariat office for citizens

to rest who came to Gwanghwamun square to protest

The secretariat office of PSPD is located in the midway from Gwanghwamun square to the Blue House. While candle rallies and march demanding Park’s resignation were held despite of cold weather, PSPD has opened its office for protesters on 3 and 10 December. They were able to use toilets in the basement 1 and the 2nd floor and hot coffee was served for free to citizens passing by PSPD building thanks to anonymous contribution of coffee for 2,000 serves. We would like to convey gratitude to the supporter.    

Presented policy paper for direct election for director of district prosecutor office
PSPD presented policy paper <Direct election for director of district prosecutor office by residents – Strengthening democratic control over omnipotent prosecutors> on 1 December. It introduces a measure for direct election and suggests to elect 18 directors by residents and to entrust them with general authority on regional affairs.
PSPD has studied measures of democratic control over prosecutors since 2008 and started to insist direct election since 2010. As soon as the 20th National Assembly opened in last August, PSPD held a discussion to suggest direct election at the National Assembly and heard views. Park Geun-hye and Choi Soon-sil gate has raised worries of politicians and the people regarding the reform of prosecutors and they started to pay more attention to what PSPD has suggested. Hence, PSPD will make more chances to explain and promote direct election of directors, and earn more public supports.  

Open Park Geun-hye Gate investigation timeline site

PSPD has been recording probe status and outcome of the Special Investigation Team continued after prosecutors and opened a website on 5 December for citizens to be able to check timeline anytime on the internet. It is made to facilitate the people to choose useful and effective information while the people get lost in flooded information. I hope the site helps citizens to check status and development of the investigation.

Petition campaign for damage compensation lawsuit against the National Pension Service

PSPD has submitted a petition of 12,000 for damage compensation against the National Pension Service to the government in cooperation with Public Pension for All and other organizations on 14 December. It requests to take legal action against authorities who badly influence the National Pension Service to support succession of the Samsugn Group management. In the course of Samsung C&T and Cheil Industries merger in July 2015, Lee Jae-yong, a vice chairman of Samsung Electronics gave bribes to Choi Soon-sil for his succession and Hong Wan-sun, a head of investment management of the National Pension Service and Moon Hyung-pyo, former welfare minister supported Lee despite of causing damages to the Pension Service. They have been already reported for bribery, breach of trust and misfeasance and subjects of a probe. However, besides applying criminal charges, citizens as a member of the Service have the right to request damage compensation. The Pension Service, people’s security for declining years must not be unfairly misused again.
 

Public interest Litigation obtained a permission to march up to 100 meters from the boundary of the Blue House
On 3 December, Citizen Action for Park’s Resignation marched to 100 meters from the fence of the Blue House. The Citizen Action for Resignation has complained that the decision of the police to prohibit or conditionally permit rally and march on 3 December was unfair and Seoul Administration Court has admitted it and ruled to secure rally and march up to 100 meters from the Blue House. Consecutively for five weeks, the Public Interest Law Center of the PSPD has tried to get provisional disposition of suspension of execution for weekend rallies and it also took care of this suspension of execution case.

However, no rally and march are still allowed within 100 meters radius from the boundary of the Blue House because the Article 11 of the Act on Assembly and Demonstration defines it as imperatively prohibited area. Unconstitutionality of prohibiting assembly and demonstration within 100 meters radius from boundary of the Blue House, National Assembly and residence of a prime minister is under review and PSPD also has requested lawmakers to revise the Article 11.
 

People Power!
This Month of the PSPD
 
 

PSPD is putting more efforts on many activities that it has been carrying out this year. More than 500 citizens have come to the PSPD anniversary on 6 September to give support. PSPD will always be within and with the citizens.

Victory for a public interest lawsuit against the police for interfering with the march, order of disperse and excessive evidence collecting 

PSPD has won a lawsuit for public interest again. At the first memorial of Sewol Ferry disaster on 16 April last year, PSPD and its members marched from PSPD secretariat office building to Seoul Square cherishing the deceased. When the march tried to meet bereaved families of Sewol Ferry disaster near Sejong government complex in the course, the police blocked, unreasonably ordered disperse and illegally took photos of the scene. Hence, Ha Tae-hoon, co-president and full time activists of PSPD sued the police for public interest to compensate ₩ 500,000 per person and the Judge Yim Jong-hyo of the Seoul Central Court decided to pay ₩ 300,000 based on following grounds.  

△ The course of the march was partly changed but it was small and the reason coincided with the purpose of the march △ There seemed no direct danger on the public order and security so that the disperse order of the police was not justified △ Despite of unlawful order of disperse, the police encouraged taking photos of the scene unnecessarily to pressurize the participants. Police of the Republic of Korea, please have some respects for citizens!  
 

Fear on continuous earthquakes, special measure is required for nuclear power plants
Continuous earthquakes have brought the fear in Korean peninsula. PSPD seriously concerns about the fear of earthquakes and the safety of nuclear power plants. Especially, the ‘Joint Action for nuclear free society’ in which PSPD participates held an emergency press conference “The outbreak of the biggest earthquake, nuclear power plants are dangerous” on 13 September. It said the risks are high because the earthquake on 12 September broke out in Kyeongju where nuclear power plants were densely located. It stressed out that Korea is no longer safe from earthquakes and thus we have to accept the danger signal, establish safety measures and break away from nuclear centered power policy. When another earthquake hit Kyeongju on 19 September, PSPD held an urgent press conference and released a joint statement “Continuous earthquakes, we demand the right to security” criticizing the government for failing to predict and prevent disasters, and urged to prepare a special measure for the safety of the people.  

Growing suspicions on corruptions of the Mir and K-Sports Foundation
Unbelievable corruption scandal has broken out. The Jeon Du-hwan administration established an absurd foundation “Ilhae” to forcibly collect contributions and regular bribes from large corporations abusing its power. Circumstances exposed on Mir and K-Sports Foundation are showing similarities with Ilhae. Growing suspicions are the involvement of close aides of the president Park Geun-hye, and breach of trust and bribery of Chaebols. Particularly, it is one of the serious scandals that Choi Soon-sil, a closest aide behind the curtain of the President Park and Ahn Jong-beom, senior secretary for policy coordination have deeply involved in establishment and management of Mir and K-Sports foundation. The investigation has to find the facts and bring the responsible to justice.
If it is found to be true that Ahn pressurized the Federation of Korean Industries to make contributions to fund-raising, it is obviously abusing the power of the government and that is, misfeasance. The acts of forced contribution of corporations are highly regarded as a breach of trust and bribery. If Choi truly intervened in human resources and management in general having the authority of the president on her back, it is misusing the authority for personal interest so that it should be treated strictly. As PSPD has devoted to the State power watch and Chaebol surveillance, it will do its best to find the truth of the case.    

Problems are found in both procedures and contents of ‘Dismissal based on performance’ system 

Park Geun-hye government constantly attempts to retrograde the labor law during the term. Recently, it made two guidelines to enable dismissal of low performers and ease criteria for changing rules of employment (working conditions). It is additionally pushing for applying ‘Annual salary based on performance’ system to the public sector. In doing so, it has violated restrictions on dismissal described in the Constitution and the Labor Standard Act, and procedures for preparation and amendment of employment rules. Problems are found not only the procedures but also in contents itself. ‘Annual salary based on performance’ system is in fact, dismissal based on performance since the performance in the public service area can’t be scored. It is to facilitate to classify low performers and eventually to fire them for making labor unions of the public sector and basic labor rights lose their powers. If public service collapses, damages will be all on citizens. The people should be able to use public service safely and at reasonable cost but the situation will come out the opposite. Hence, public sector unions resisted with general strikes at the end of September, and PSPD and the civil society have supported and worked together with them.      

Finally, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser officially apologized 

On 20-23 September, the Special Committee of State Administration Investigation for Oxy disaster and victims of humidifier disinfectant have carried out protests internationally. They visited the headquarter of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser in the UK to appeal and held a rally in front of the residence of British Prime Minister. They also went to the Serious Fraud Office to report Oxy for criminal charges and had a meeting with the Consumers International, an international consumer alliance in order to seek cooperation. Just then, Rakesh Kapoor CEO of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser officially apologized on 23 September. Therefore, the responsibility of the British headquarter is admitted and clear that Korean prosecutors should promptly summon, indict and bring them to justice. The National Assembly needs to extend the state administration investigation period because the Special Committee hasn’t even completed finding the truth phase. Including outcomes of activities in the UK, it has to complete its initial objectives; finding the truth, measures for compensation and specific measure to prevent reoccurrences. PSPD will closely work with the National Network for Humidifier Disinfectant Disaster in order for Punitive Damages Compensation, Collective Action Lawsuit, Punishing Corporation for serious disasters and revision of Chemical agents related legislations.

The baton passed from the movement for half tuition fee to abolishment of entrance fee 

The movement has commenced to abolish entrance fee of approx. one million won which is levied to new university students without any ground. PSPD held a press conference on 12 September in front of Sejong government complex for requesting a meeting with an Education Minister with open inquiry in respect to entrance fee. On 22 September, another press conference was held at the National Assembly to inform that entrance fee issue was reported to the Fair Trade Commission and it urged to pass the revision of the Higher Education Act. Educational foundations including Korea, Dongkuk, Hongik, Hanyang and Kyunghee University were reported respectively for abusing market dominance and unfair conduct (forced provision of benefits) of levying university entrance fee. On the other hand, the Youth PSPD reported Choi Kyung-hwan, a former deputy prime minister (current lawmaker of Saenuri Party) eight months ago charging him for illegally and unfairly provided a job for his close aide at the Small and Medium Business Corporation. It was proved that the Youth PSPD was right. The president of the Small and Medium Business Corporation testified at a court that Choi directly pressurized and asked for the position. The prosecutors must investigate Choi right away and punish him with strict standard.

Prosecutors started to summon General Election Net

There are ceaseless oppressions against the 2016 General Election Network of citizens (General Election Net).The police briefed an investigation report on 13 September concerning 22 activists of the General Election Net and forwarded the case to the prosecutors with an opinion of indictment. With no delay, the prosecutors summoned four main activists. Ahn Jin-geol, co-secretary-general of PSPD (co-chairman of the General Election Net) and Lee Gwang-ho, a secretary-general of the Incheon Peace and Welfare Solidarity appeared at the prosecutor’s office on 22 September and held a press briefing insisting ‘Why the General Election Net is innocent’. They protested with silence during interrogation of the police and prosecutors. On 28 September, Lee Jae-geun, a head of Policy Committee of PSPD and Lee Seung-hoon, a secretary-general of the Civil Society Organizations Network in Korea also appeared at the prosecutors. The General Election Net and PSPD will get a decision of innocent so that oppression and harassments of the power against voters’ movements do not repeat. 
 
  
Sewol Ferry Special Act must be revised

PSPD and civil organizations sincerely wish the victims of the Sewol Ferry disaster rest in peace and hope for those were on board but haven’t found yet to come back to their family; Danwon high school students (Jo Eun-hwa, Heo Da-yoon, Nam Hyun-cheol and Park Young-in), Danwon high school teachers (Yang Seung-jin and Ko Chang-seok) and other passengers (Kwon Jae-geun, Kwon Hyuck-soo and Lee Young-sook). 
PSPD is working hard with no pause for finding the truth of the Sewol Ferry disaster and preparing measures to prevent other disasters. On 21 September, it joined in a press conference announcing intensive activities for revision of the Sewol Ferry Special Act in front of the main gate of the National Assembly. It hasn’t stopped taking a part in the rally at Gwanghwamun Sewol Ferry Square. Now, the President Park Geun-hye and the Saenuri Party attempt to terminate the process of finding the truth and activities of the Sewol Ferry Special Committee as of the end of September. However, the National Assembly composed of bigger opposition parties does not seem to take any clear action to stop it. In order to secure enough time for the Special Investigation Committee to find the truth and appoint a special prosecutor for the disaster, the Sewol Ferry Special Act must be revised. 

People Power! This month of the PSPD

 How hot will it be this summer? The elderly living in a back room alone would have to fight with hot summer. I hope no villages suffer from heavy rain and flood. Everyone stays healthy and has less trouble during the summer. Getting strength from your support, PSPD has carried out various projects in June, beginning of the summer.
  

Suggested bills and policies for the 20th National Assembly 

PSPD has been active to make the 20th National Assembly get closer and care for the people. On 26 May right before it’s opening, PSPD has organized urgent agendas and published 69 bills to enact and 15 policies for the 20th National Assembly to deal with during the term. It held a press conference on 30 May, the first day of the 20th National Assembly in front of the National Assembly emphasizing five the most urgent agendas as follow. 
△ Secure the term and authority of the Special Investigation Committee for Sewol Ferry in order to find the enough truth △ Hold a hearing to find the truth for humidifier sanitizer disaster and improve the system to prevent △ Abolish NIS reform and Terror Prevention Act △ Reform the Housing Lease Protection Act to ease the burden of housing cost and stabilize the housing including setting the upper limit of deposit and rental fee △ Hold a hearing for Parents Union Gate in respect to the Blue House’s control over far-right organizations. 
Five agendas to make the National Assembly get closer to the People were also presented.
 

“Assembly and Demonstration must be held where a counterpart can see and hear”

The current law on assembly and demonstration was made during Park Jeong-hee administration. It seems made to regulate rather than secure the right to assemble and demonstrate. Representatively, the Article 11 prohibits assembly and demonstration within 100 meters radius from boundary of the National Assembly, 100 meters from the Blue House, 100 meters from all levels of courts, 100 meters from the residence of the Prime Minister where in fact,  have to pay more attention to the voice of the people. Even small rallies less than 10 people and silent demonstrations are not allowed. During Park Jeong-hee administration, demonstrations within 100 meters from provincial governments and railway stations were also prohibited. Should we say ‘what a relief!‘ that those were abolished now?

PSPD has set up an internal <Task Force to secure the freedom of Assembly and Demonstration> for the purpose of responding more systematically and with consistency to infringements on the freedom to Assemble and Demonstrate. The first goal is to reform the Article 11 that it presented <In which cases the Article 11(places prohibited) has applied?> on 20 June and held a discussion on the next day in cooperation with a lawmaker Park Ju-min and Lee Jae-jeong.

As far as it is peaceful, no nations like UK, Japan, US and Canada do not prohibit assemblies. Assembly and demonstration must be held where a counterpart can see and hear and we will try to make it happen.

Delivered the status of human rights infringements in Korea to the UN Human Rights Council

UN special rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association has visited Korea in January. PSPD and human rights organizations have explained the situation of infringements on the freedom of assembly and association and requested an attention to the UN Human Rights Council. After the return, the special rapporteur conducted an investigation and presented an official report on Korea on 17 June at the 32nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council. The report has listed cases of government’s oppressions over citizens’ assemblies and commented that “It would undermine everything that the Republic of Korea has achieved to date”.  

PSPD has formed a delegation with representatives of human rights organizations in Korea and participated in the 32nd session which was held from 13 to 17 June in Geneva. Especially, the delegation thoroughly explained the case of Baek Nam-ki who has been struck by merciless water cannon during the rally last November and still in coma to UN special rapporteur and authorities. In front of UN headquarters in Geneva, they held a rally demanding to ban the use of water cannon in assemblies and demonstrations and urging for release of Han Sang-gyun a president of the Korea Confederation of Trade Union (KCTU) and KCTU members who have been arrested for organizing a demonstration.
 

Meal treats, gifts and cash contribution for congratulation or condolence, the upper limits set to ₩30,000, ₩50,000, ₩100,000 respectively

The law to prohibit asking unjust favors, known as ‘Kim Young-ran Act’ will be enforced from September. It has passed the National Assembly last March and detailed enforcement ordinance would be finalized soon. Since the notice for enactment is released that upper limits public servants can receive are set to ₩30,000 for meal treats, ₩50,000 for gifts and ₩100,000 for cash contribution for congratulation or condolence, corporates, farm and dairy industry and food and beverage industry have raised their voice of opposition. They ask to raise limits and exclude farm and dairy products from a gift list for public servants insisting that domestic consumption would shrink and producers would be threatened. Not only their argument is exaggerated but also efforts to root out bribery and corruptions will fail if their demands are accepted.

On 21 June, one day before advance notice for a new bill was closed, PSPD has met vice chairperson of the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission at his office in Sejong City and asked not to step back. In this meeting, Young Korean Academy, YMCA Korea and other organizations which have worked for anti-corruption have joined. Online petition is in progress to sustain amount limits and not to allow exceptions since 13 June. It will continue until the cabinet council confirms the enforcement ordinance. You may participate in online citizen petition campaign at PSPD website.     

 
Search and seizure on PSPD members, must have surprised you.

On 16 June, the Intelligent Crime Team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency directed by the Supreme Prosecutors Office conducted search and seizure on Ahn Jin-geol, a co-secretary general of PSPD, Lee Jae-geun, a head of Policy Planning division and civil society activists who worked for the General Election Network of Citizens. It has insisted that the Network violated the Election Law by conducting and releasing a result of a survey without registering to the National Election Commission. The survey was to ‘Select 10 worst candidates’ and the authority regarded it as opinion poll which enabled to predict political party support rate and winners

Furthermore, it has argued that ‘loser tour’ press conference was also a violation. They were held to inform a candidate of being listed in defeated candidates outside their offices but names of candidates were not shown on banners and pickets complying to the law. 

What they insist are absurd because they are not facts. The National Election Commission officers were present at ‘loser tour’ press conference sites. Any potential violations were consulted in advance. There was no warning on violation of the law from the authority until press conference was completed.

One fortunate thing is that PSPD activists and lawyers protected materials and information unrelated to General Election Network activities including PSPD private resources and member information when the police searched desks and computers of Ahn and Lee. PSPD will stop unfair and unreasonable investigation of the prosecutors and the police. Even if prosecuted, it will do the best to get a decision of innocence at court. Activities of voters should not be regarded as illegal followed by punishment. Furthermore, PSPD will take this occasion as a chance to reform the Election Law for Public Officers which oppresses voters’ actions. 
    
 

People Power! 
This month of the PSPD
 

Information Release! What you should know before voting

PSPD has defined the 20th Assembly Election as the judgment and conversion, and released must-know-information for voters to make a right decision.
It has listed 37 lawmakers who representatively proposed 59 bad bills of the 19th Assembly and published an issue report <Who has proposed bad bills during the 19th Assembly?> on 13 March. It was followed by <The second half of the 19th Assembly, vote results of step stone and hurdle bills> on 16 March which examined who voted for or against 7 step stone bills and 12 hurdle bills that have passed the Assembly. <Remarks and attitudes of lawmakers of the 19th Assembly for major issues of Korean society> was also presented on 22 March that their comments and actions were described in detail in respect to interfering Sewol Ferry disaster investigation, defending National Intelligence Service’s involvement in the Presidential Election and opposing its reform, government-led national history textbook, beautifying the agreement between Korean and Japanese government on comfort women, and supporting unqualified candidates for government officers at hearings.    

Policy proposal <We vote to the hope> 

A certain figure can give a hope but PSPD would like to give a priority to policies. PSPD has written a series of articles <We vote to the hope> from 9 March at an internet media <Oh My News>. In prior to this, it presented <52 policy assignments to look into at the 2016 General Election> on 7 March, and proposed them to each parties and asked to reflect in election promises.  

Campaign to check provision of my communication data 

After Terror Prevention Act passed the National Assembly, it has become an issue that the National Intelligence Service, the police and the prosecutors are checking a personal and telecommunication data of a certain telephone number through mobile service providers. PSPD has dealt the problem of ‘Provision of communication Data’ seriously since 2010 that NIS has collected personal information of a telephone number and a writer of online post from mobile and internet service provider such as Naver under the excuse of investigation.

PSPS organized a civil campaign in February asking the citizen to check if their telecommunication data (identification) have been submitted to NIS or the police and has resumed it together with Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and the Jinbo Network. This can be done by contacting online customer service center of each provider and making a request. If provision to NIS or the Police is confirmed, please let PSPD know. A legal action will be taken to inquire the reason.
 

Published a Prosecutors report on three years of Park Geun-hye administration

PSPD published <Prosecutors report on three years of Park Geun-hye administration> on 23 March. It is the 8th on prosecutors since the first one was released in February 2009 at the first year of Lee Myung-bak administration.
 

Appealed problems with the Terror Prevention Act to the UN Human Rights Council 

Representing 52 Korean civil society organizations, PSPD and Minbyun participated in UN Human Rights Council held in Geneva, Switzerland on 10 March and spoke about problems with the Terror Prevention Act. The speech was made during a bilateral talk with a special rapporteur on counter-terrorism. They asked a rapporteur to recommend the Korean government to dispose the Terror Prevention Act and stop abusing the authority of the NIS.   
In addition, a resolution on the protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests was made so that PSPD has sent a joint letter with human rights defender organizations in overseas to UN human rights council member states urging to pass the resolution.

Presented the first issue report on household debt 

Household debt problem is getting worse both in quantity and quality but the government is not actively doing something to resolve it. Therefore, PSPD presented <Household debt issue report Ⅰ, is household debt manageable?> on 22 March to judge if a decision of the government has been right.

 
‘Korean Peninsula Peace Forum’ was held to find peaceful measures for military dispute

The peace has disappeared from the Korean peninsula because of South-North dispute started early this year, closure of Gaeseong industrial complex and large scale military drills of both sides. Meanwhile, the first <Korean Peninsula Peace Forum> was held on 21 March at the Seoul Press Center in which religious groups and civil society have participated. PSPD supports the forum with administration.

It is a temporarily co-operation set up to find peaceful measures to resolve military confrontation and dispute in Korean peninsula and the Northeast Asia. The participants of the first forum presented a statement asking to stop all armed protests and start a peace talk. It also emphasized denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula including North Korea’s giving up of nuclear weapon development and working for a peace agreement in order to settle down Korean Peninsula crisis.