People Power 2017

This month of PSPD

December has already come. Though winter is cold, I believe that you have lots of warm memories for this year. A former president Park Geun-hye, a culprit of monopolizing national administration has been arrested by the power of a great civil candle revolution and Lee Jae-yong, a vice chairman of Samsung is in prison after being sentenced for 5 years at the first trial. Cleaning out deep-rooted evils and corruptions are in process and still there are many things to be done since conservative and privileged people in power systematically disturb the process.

Nevertheless, we have to keep walking the long path towards righteous and fair society bravely and decisively.

PSPD will do the best even on the last day of the year.

Discussion held in respect to the 4th and the last recommendation of UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to Korean government

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) has conducted deliberation and given the 4th and the last recommendation to Korean government on 9 October. It has been in 8 years since the last recommendation was made in 2009. It is very meaningful in a sense that the committee inspected status of Korea and provided specific measures for improvement. Hence, a forum <Significance and measures to realize recommendations of UN CESCR> was held on 20 November at the National Assembly by National Human Rights Commission of Korea which have involved in deliberation process and ‘NGO groups to respond to UN CESCR’s recommendations’.

Court supported PSPD’s appeal and ordered the police to compensate for interrupting Sewol Ferry memorial march

In April 2015, PSPD has taken a legal action against the police for damage and compensation in regard to giving unlawful order to dismiss the memorial march which was held to remember the 1st year of Sewol Ferry disaster. Seoul Central District Court upheld PSPD’s appeal confirming the ruling of the first trial on 22 November and decided compensation of 300,000won each to 22 activists and executives of PSPD. It said, even though a part of march took place not in the course reported in advance, it does not make the whole march illegal. It is the confirmation of leading cases of the first trial and supreme court that the police was not supposed to order dismissal as far as march has neither direct threat or/and harm to other’s benefit, nor protection of the law or/and public order and safety. The police should not waste judicial resources by appealing but admit its responsibility. Furthermore, some alterations must be allowed and accepted in terms of march route and hours different from what are being reported in advance so that rallies and marches do not get interrupted or unfairly dismissed.

Urge Paris Baguette to hire bakers directly

Recently, it became a big issue that Paris Baguette has employed more than 5,000 bakers at business outlets nationwide in the form of illegal dispatch. Labor and Social Committee of PSPD is actively participating in a solidarity of more than 60 organizations <Civil and social committee to settle down Paris Baguette’s illegal dispatch and to secure labor rights of the youth labor> and urging Paris Baguette headquarter to accept direct employment measure of the Ministry of Employment and Labor as soon as possible.

Who owns DAS? Corruptions and allegations on a former president Lee Myung-bak must be investigated promptly

People are paying attention closely to corruptions and illegal conducts of a former president Lee myung-bak including DAS scandal. There are various allegations from political manipulation carried out by National Intelligent Service and cyber commander of the Army to serious economic crimes such as tax evasion, embezzlement and breach of trust. 

In particular, a special prosecutor Jeong Ho-young has confirmed that borrowed-name accounts are belong to DAS. As Article 5 of Real Name Financial Transaction Act states, all deposits in those accounts are assets not under real name so that interests and dividend income were supposed to be taxed at the rate of 99% including local tax. If weren’t, it still can be done now. Furthermore concealing offshore accounts are connected with following violations and crimes in general. ▲ Tax evasion under「Punishment of Tax Offences Act」▲ Violation of obligation to report overseas financial accounts under「Adjustment of International Taxes」 ▲ Violation of obligation to report foreign currency transaction under「Foreign Exchange Transactions Act」 ▲ Tax evasion under「Aggravated Punishment on Specific Crimes Act」 ▲ Flight domestic property under「Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes Act」 and 「Act on the prevention of Flight of Domestic Property ▲ Accepting and Concealing criminal property under「Regulation and Punishment of Criminal Property Concealment」. PSPD has been shocked by endless list while listing up allegations on MB related financial allegations. Therefore, PSPD urges authorities for comprehensive and complete investigation including prosecutors, National Tax Service, Ministry of Strategy and Finance, Financial Service Commission and Financial Supervisory Service.  

Preparatory Committee for Civil Peace Court to find the truth of civilian massacre by Korean military during Vietnam War

A press conference to establish preparatory committee for <Civil Peace Court to find the truth on civilian massacre by Korean military during Vietnam War> was held on 21 November at the Press Center. The Committee pointed out that in spite of allegation has been raised for the last 20 years that Korean soldiers killed civilian, there have been no measures taken to find facts followed by responsible actions. It also explained the plan to hold civil peace court in Seoul next April when the massacre becomes 50th year in order to bring the issue to the public and clarify legal responsibility of Korean government.

At the Civil Peace Court, plaintiffs would be civilians killed or hurt by Korea soldiers during Vietnam War and their bereaved families. Defendant would be Korea in the form of reparation by the state. Holing a court is expected to result followings. Strict standard (facts) will be applied to judge civilian slaughter and the value of the peace will be spread out through recalling true faces of Vietnam War which is regarded as the most unjust war in the late 20th Century (Peace). Admitting misconducts, giving sincere apology and taking all responsibilities (Honor) would make people to think about mature Korean Society. As Korea asks Japan to take legal responsibility concerning sex slaves for Japanese Army, Korea has to admit its faults and make an apology.

10th anniversary event for ‘School of youth activists for public interest’ 

It has been ten years since ‘School of Youth Activists for public interest’ started by youth intern program in 2008. 412 young people have participated in the youth intern program and the activist school (20 sessions in total), and more are waiting to participate this winter. It was great to see graduates at the anniversary event on 25 November.

Prosecutors demand severe punishment for 22 activists of 2016 General Election Network at the first trial for violating the Election Law.

Prosecutors demand from eight-month term in prison to fine of one to five million won to 22 activists of 2016 General Election Civil Network (Net) at the final trial of the first court on 20 November. National Election Commission reported the Net for violating the Election Law and Prosecutors and the Police excessively seized and searched office and houses on 12 April last year, just one day before 4.13 General Election. Now, they even demand severe punishment for simple participants. Obviously, it is an intention to give pressure to civil society which tried to increase rights of voters and also abuse of authority to oppress people who criticize power holders.

Saenuri party, a ruling power at that time politically offended the Net insisting power behind the curtain and impure political conspiracy. However, it has been revealed that the Blue House mobilized and systematically supported conservative groups and got them to move against rallies and candidates of opposition party in order for them to lose at the General Election. Because the Net carried out voters movements and campaign ‘Don’t vote him/her’ completely by its free will and for the public interests, Park Geun-hye and Saenuri Party did not like how it worked and targeted it. The court should rule that the Net is innocence since their activities had abided the law. Moreover, National Assembly’s special committee for political reform must abolish toxic articles such as article 90 and 93 of the Election Law and slanders against candidates. 

People Power 2017
This month of PSPD

It is still hot like summer but September has come already. I hope you wisely spent the hot summer. Hereby PSPD present its activities waiting for cool breeze to come after typhoon goes by. The report includes activities in July in accordance with that magazine <Participatory Society> July and August are bound up in one volume.

Reported Lee Geon-hee, chairman of Samsung Group for violating Real Name Financial Transaction and Confidentiality

On 3 August, PSPD reported Lee Geon-hee, a chairman of Samsung Group for violating ‘Regulation and Punishment of Criminal Proceeds Concealment’ and ‘Real Name Financial Transaction and Confidentiality’. He has opened accounts under other names for the purpose of hiding illegal assets and laundering money and issued cheques to pay construction of his residence and Samsung Seoul Hospital. 

<KBS 60 minutes> reported the allegation last May that cheques paid for construction of Samsung owners’ Hannam-dong residence were from slush fund. In that report, an insider of Samsung Electronic explained that some were issued from Lee Geon-hee or borrowed-name accounts which were found by a special prosecutor Cho Jun-woong but others were from unconfirmed accounts.

A regulation to punish borrowed-name financial transaction which takes place to conceal illegal assets and launder money has become in effect from 29 November 2014. Therefore, it is punishable if cheques from borrowed-name accounts were used after 29 November 2014. PSPD has already requested Financial Service Commission to investigate Samsung slush funds on 27 July.      

Published policy book discussing problems associated with Article 11 of Assembly and Demonstration Act and suggesting measures

PSPD has informed the police to hold ‘Competition of writing a letter of appeal to the President’ in front of Yeonpoong Gate of the Blue House in October last year but it was rejected on the ground of Article 11 of Assembly and Demonstration Act which prohibits assembly within 100 meter radius from the Blue House. 

Hence, PSPD filed a petition for annulment on the ground of infringing the freedom to Assemble but it was dismissed by Seoul Administration Court. The reason Article 11 prohibits is to protect president and his functions. However, a rally of writing a letter has no threat whatsoever so that applying it to that case is immoderate.

Though PSPD has received a very disappointing result from the first trial, it will appeal and try to improve excessive application of the law. On the other hand, PSPD has published a policy book <Assemble where can be heard and seen> on 21 August discussing problems of Assembly and Demonstration Act and suggesting improvement measures.   

[Refresh Korea] published

[Refresh Korea, 70 key words to open the door for candle reform and democracy] has been published in mid-July. It talks about directions and visions of Korean society after candle civil revolution and suggests policies in detail. It could be regarded as a revision of <Repair the nation out of order> printed around 2012 presidential election.

A publisher introduces it as “Blueprints of national reform and new democracy put away in good order by PSPD wishing the candle revolution initiated by a sovereign can bear fruitful results”. Cho Jeong-rae, a writer and a member of PSPD commented in a word of recommendation that ‘<Refresh Korea> provides a specific new direction for how to repair and change destroyed and seriously ailing nation to where everyone lives happily’. A weekly magazine <Hankyoreh 21, ver. 1172> recommended it saying ‘A great textbook for citizens. The book all public library must have. Suitable for a ‘handbook’ compressed more than 500 pages. It is available in online and offline bookstores. 

‘No War’ press conference and flash mop held

North Korea is experimenting ICBM one after another, and relationship among South, North Korea and US are in conflict. Hence, PSPD and various civil and social organizations jointly held a press conference on 10 August and expressed concerns on increasing tension in Korean Peninsula. They urged to stop provocative military actions and try to talk without giving any condition. Moreover, they demanded not only to stop ulji Freedon Gudian (UFG) Korea-US joint military drill but also to limit roles of China and withdraw THAAD which accelerates arms race in Northeast Asia. 

When UFG drill started on 21 August, ‘Peace Flash Mop’ demonstration wishing for the peace took place in Seoul City Hall Square. A lot of people made a symbol of the peace and unfolded a banner ‘Peace, Not war’. No one including US and North Korea must say a word about the War.   

Requests further investigation to National Intelligence Service concerning allegations on mobilizing citizens for public opinion manipulation

In cooperation with Jinbo Network Center, PSPD presented 15 corruption incidents in June which National Intelligence Service must investigate. Clean out Task Force of NIS has investigated 13 cases and announced to confirm that citizens were mobilized to manipulate and control public opinions.

However, PSPD has pointed out some omitted allegations and sent a letter of request to NIS for supplementary investigation on 8 August. NIS said ‘Cyber Auxiliary Team’ had worked from May 2009 to end of 2012 but the Hankyoreh reported last April that ‘Alpha Team’ started in December 2008. Hence, manipulation activity from the start of Lee administration in March 2008 to May 2009 has to be investigated too.

PSPD will also suggest reform measures to cut down functions and authorities, and how to enhance watch and control over NIS. Finding illegal conducts and evading the law of NIS should be done by systematic reform. 

Selected 14 whistle blowers for public interest to provide living cost subsidy

Result of a project subsidizing living cost to whistle blowers for public interest was released on 23 August. Applications had been received from 19 June to 21 July from whistle blowers who have been dismissed from workplace or had contract terminated after whistle blowing. 14 have been selected through fair examination and they will receive from one million to two million won per month for the next six months. It is the second year of the project that 15 have received subsidies of 170 million won in total last year. It is funded by the Beautiful Foundation, and psychological treatment and legal consultation are also provided in cooperation with Institute for Medicine & Human Rights, Minbyun and Civil Society Organizations Network in Korea.

Wrongdoings reported by the recipients are various and all different. They include a public servant’s embezzlement of public money, public consigned organization’s embezzlement of government’s subsidy, violation of security regulation by public organization, infringing human right of the handicapped and children, corrupted private schools and educational institutes and their infringement on educational authority, illegal manufacture of food and medicine, distribution of illegal petrol and defective construction. PSPD has supported whistle blowers from its establishment and will prepare well for the coming 8th righteous citizen award and the night of whistle blowers. 

Sent a letter of opinion regarding to the Police reform towards democracy and human rights 

PSPD has sent a letter of opinion <Proposals for the police reform in order for democratic police and to stop human right infringement> to the Korean National Police Agency, Committee for police reform, the Blue House and the National Assembly on 19 July. First of all, it insists to decentralize the organization, decrease authorities, and to adopt democratic control. Measures were suggested as follow.   

△ Decentralize the police organization through autonomy △ Reform of National Police Commission in order to control the police in a democratic manner △ Separate investigation and administration △ Prohibit collecting security and policy information and abolish information bureau △ Stop collecting security information irrelevant to crime allegations and suspend security department tasks which do not have legal grounds. 

Furthermore, it also proposed measures to prohibit human right infringement at the site of assembly and demonstration as below. △ Stop exercising police authority which infringes the freedom to assemble and demonstrate △ Limit evidence collecting from assembly sites only to illegal conducts △ Suspend or minimize authority in collecting telecommunication data △ Stop watching citizens using CCTV installed for gathering traffic information. Fortunately, the Police Reform Committee has been established that PSPD will try to make opinions mentioned above to be reflected. 

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.

Tongin Newsletter, November 2015

Happy participation, Heartwarming solidarity _ This month of the PSPD

● Presented bills that must be passed or rejected during the last general session of the 19th National Assembly 

▶ All activity groups of the PSPD participated to select 37 legislative agendas and policies in 10 sectors and presented them on 19 October for the 19th National Assembly to pass or reject at the last general session. Especially, PSPD urged to pass bills concerning to help people’s lives including [Housing Lease Protection Act] and reject retrogressive revisions such as [Labor Standard Act] which would worsen labor conditions.
 

● ‘The Rulings Reading Club’ is being held successfully
▶ The Judiciary Watch Division of PSPD held the first gathering of the Rulings Reading Club. The first ruling chosen was the decision of the Eastern branch of Busan Court made October last year. It confirmed for the first time that the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company was responsible for the cause of malignant tumor of thyroid gland broke to a resident living nearby Gori nuclear power plant.

● ‘Eul (the weak)’s ballot is in progress nationwide by both on and off line.
▶ A ballot is in progress throughout the nation asking Euls of our society whether labor policy of Park Geun-hye government is a reform or retrogression. Labor policies in question are easy dismissal, extension of irregular working terms and disadvantageous change of wages and working conditions. More than thousands ballot booths are set up in streets, offices including the PSPD office. 

● Joint Press Conference of civil society on retrogressing labor policy of Park Geun-hye government and Saenuri Party
▶ The people are swiftly acknowledging that changing labor law of Park Geun-hye government and Saenuri Party is said to be a reform but in fact retrogression. NGOs, members of the Civil Society Organizations Network in Korea have a consensus to stop the change and held a joint press conference on 21 October. They expressed great concerns on retrograding labor laws unilaterally pushed by the government and Saenuri Party.

● Park Geun-hye’s policies on low birthrate and ageing society are not bearable
▶ On 19 October, the government announced the third basic plan for low birthrate and ageing society. However, the plan found the cause of low birthrate from late marriages and suggested measures based on the traditional family concept failing to acknowledge fundamental problems of social inequality and sexual discrimination. Even further, people could not help themselves from sneering and getting angry when the state voluntarily to be a matchmaker. The government is ignoring the reality that social inequality, polarization, young unemployment and hard livelihood are real hindrances which make dating and getting married difficult. No one would agree the responsibility of late marriage is on the young and the people.

● Filed a lawsuit against dominant CGV for the public interest 
▶ The Minbyun, Youth Community Union, and Campaign for Anyone with Stable Life of PSPD gathered in front of CGV, Daehakro branch on 22 October to announce the commencement of a lawsuit for the public interest in regard to playing commercial films in cinemas irritating and stressing viewers. CGV has earned more than 81 billion won in 2014 from forcibly playing advertisements without a notice or consent of viewers. PSPD filed a lawsuit together with 26 youth plaintiffs and claimed return of unfair earnings and compensation to correct and stop a market leader CGV from playing an actual movie about 10 minutes later than the time written on a ticket in order to play commercial films. Last February, PSPD has reported unfair trade acts of movie theaters and urged the Fair Trade Commission again to take an instant action to correct it.  

● Criticizing double stances of Korean government on Japan’s plan to become a military giant and allowing Japanese Army into Korean Peninsula
▶ Recently, the change of Japanese security policy towards re-militarism and military giant has become a huge concern to both Asian and global citizens who love the peace. Far-right politicians in Japan do not hide their intention to dispatch Self-Defense Forces to Korean Peninsula. Our government is supposed to respond actively but rather shows double stances deepening worries to the people. Moreover, a suspicion was raised that the government concealed a conflict at the Korea-Japan Military Minister talk on 20 October. Japanese Defense Minister said effective sovereignty of South Korean government applied to southern part of DMZ disagreeing an interpretation of South Korean Defense Minister that Japanese Self-Defense Forces is required to request or have an agreement of South Korean government when enters to North Korea. Hence, the Center for Peace and Disarmament urged the government on 22 October to take a clear stance to oppose disabling the Peace Constitution of Japan and pursuing collective self-defense. Korean government should actively respond to Japanese actions towards far-right threatening the peace of Korean peninsula and the world. 

Run PSPD, Fly Democracy!

This month of PSPD

January and February are the period PSPD prepares for a general meeting reviewing past activities and planning for a new year. Naturally external activities and meetings are held at a minimum. Not much as candle protest for impeaching Park Geun-hye was held but PSPD has been very busy since early this year. The keywords of current activities include #Lee Myung-bak, #Lee Jae-yong, #Investigation Agency for High-Ranking Public Servants #PyeongChang Peace Olympic #Recruitment Corruption #Housing Benefit #Paris Baguette # Minimum Wage and #Constitutional Revision.

Investigate a former president Lee Myung-bak as soon as possible

Illegal acts and corruptions of another former president get released every day. One of core issues is who the real owner of DAS is. PSPD has reported Lee and others related last December and provided grounds suggesting Lee Myung-bak is the real owner of DAS. In addition, it presented an issue report criticizing poor investigation conducted by prosecutors and special prosecutors for the last eleven years. PSPD will urge and spur prosecutors to actively investigate various corruptions and allegations about Lee and get to the bottom. 

On the other hand, prosecutors recently informed PSPD that they have decided not to prosecute Lee in regard to secret military alliance with UAE, a serious violation of constitution. Last month, PSPD and 1,382 citizens reported Lee and Kim Tae-young a former defense minister to prosecutors but incomprehensible decision was made without having a single inquiry of accusers. Therefore, PSPD requested a ruling to Seoul High Court one day before statute of limitation expired in order to demand pressing charges.

What distress small business owner more than minimum wage

As soon as minimum hourly wage increased by 16.4% to 7,530 won in 2018, corporates and conservative media have started to put stress on burdens small business owners and self-employers have releasing negative articles on the wage increase. Hence, PSPD held a press conference in the line with Economy Democratization Network and denounced that it would mislead the people to think that small business owners oppose to rate increase itself. However, they said there are other difficulties more serious than minimum wage such as high rate of credit card fees, expensive loyalty to franchiser and agency commission, high margin paid to suppliers, high rent fee and unfair contract with building owners. In addition to raising minimum hourly wage to meet the basic standard of living, PSPD will also work for necessary policies and legislation for desperate small business owners including rooting-out unfair trade with Chaebol and large companies, improving profit share structure between franchisers and franchisees and prevention measure for surging rent fee.

Accused Yang Seung-tae, a former chief justice of the Supreme Court of inspecting judges

PSPD and 1,080 citizens have accused a former chief justice Yang Seung-tae and responsible persons of inspecting judges last January for the charge of abusing authorities. Composing a document of inspecting judges means that National Court Administration which has judicial administration has infringed the independence of judge and trial secured in the constitution. PSPD considers it not tolerable. While there is a deep mistrust on judiciary, the truth has to be found by thorough investigation followed by punishing responsible persons. 

Presented Housing benefit status which fails to protect housing vulnerable class

and suggestions for improvement

It was desirable to abolish duty of supporting family standard from housing benefit scheme but current benefit is not sufficient to protect the right to live for housing vulnerable class. Hence, PSPD has released an issue report stating current status and improvement measures. The report shows that housing benefit paid to households living in private rental house is far less than an average monthly rent (202,000won in 2016) and households who receive benefit of less than 50,000won reaches 13.8%. In the most expensive residential area such as Seoul, 33% of tenants live in a smaller place than minimum dwelling size proving that housing vulnerable class live in a very poor environment. To increase the benefit up to the standard enough to secure the right to live, current rental fee standard also has to be raised and minimum benefit should be guaranteed by the law.

Lee Jae-yong on probation, Lee Geon-hee’s thousands of borrowed-name accounts,

No more generosity to Chaebol 

Judiciary should be ashamed of appeal decision on Lee Jae-yong, vice chairman of Samsung. The second trial said not guilty for most charges reversing verdicts of the first trial ignoring the nature of the case, immoral cronyism between economic and political fields. Decision of appeal court judges of Lee Jae-yong is partly different from judges for Choi Sun-sil trial but bribery charges against Samsung was applied at minimum comparing with Shin Don-bin, a chairman of Lotte Group case. The court regarded that bribes were forced to give or passively delivered. Therefore, PSPD strongly denounced the court’s decision and held an urgent discussion to review the ruling. It posted full text of the first and the second ruling on PSPD’s website for citizens to read and comment.

More than 260 Lee Geon-hee’s borrowed-name accounts under names of 72 Samsung executives were additionally discovered besides what Cho Jun-woong, Samsung special prosecutor and Financial Supervisory Service found. Proper investigation on endlessly borrowed-name accounts must be carried out and the responsible persons should be punished accordingly by the law. Furthermore, PSPD urges to inspect National Tax Service for not levying taxes properly, and swift taxing and examining Lee Geon-hee for eligibility as a major shareholder should follow.

Urged to continue to cease military actions in Korean Peninsula after Pyeongchang Olympic

Taking Pyeongchang Olympic as an opportunity, military tension in Korean peninsula has disappeared and talks have started. North Korea shows strong will to improve South-North relationship and Korean government is trying hard to make North Korea and US to talk. However, there are worries that tension of military conflicts could revive after the Olympic. PSPD suggested standpoint to Civil and Peace organizations and presented followings. Military actions in Korean Peninsula such as Korea-US military drill and testing nuclear missile of North Korea must be stopped. North Korea and US must talk and negotiate. Demands of Korean civil society for stopping military actions and the peace would be delivered to US administration and parliament and they will jointly work with international peace organizations.

Experience solidarity and cooperation while resolving Paris Baguette illegal dispatch matter

Problems with Illegal dispatch of Paris Baguette issued last year have been resolved that non-regular workers union and Paris Baguette headquarter have reached an agreement on 11 January. It became settled within two months since Civil and social organizations Committee in which PSPD participated was formed in last November. They failed to agree on direct employment by the headquarter but there have been solidarity and cooperation among concerned subjects from discussing various ways of employment that requires guarantee of the headquarter till reaching the agreement. PSPD has also made big contribution in the process and submitted a letter of opinion in respect to reform of Employment Insurance Act which Ministry of Labor and Employment announced to legislate. Regarding the bill prepared by the government, PSPD comments that increasing unemployment benefit from 50% to 60% of average wage and extending payment period (30 days) meet strengthening security but there should be considerate approach in setting the lowest limit to 80% of minimum wage because almost 70% of recipients would get the lowest benefit. 

External pressure on investigating Kangwon Land’s corrupted recruitment,

the reason why Special Investigation Agency is required.

Even though most citizens support for establishing special investigation agency for high-ranking public officials, it is not making any progress because Liberty Korea Party hinders. Judicial Reform Special Committee was passed the National Assembly last year for the purpose of discussing the set up but it has wasted time doing nothing until agreement was made between ruling and opposition party to receive reports from five government agencies including Ministry of Justice, Supreme Prosecutors Office and National Court Administration for one month starting from 23 February. Moreover, the Minjoo Party looks incompetent to stop boycott of Liberty Korea Party.

PSPD started signature campaign to make the Judicial Reform Special Committee to work and get the National Assembly to pass the bill of establishing investigation agency. While there is a high demand for reform of prosecutors’ office, Ahn Mi-hyeon, a prosecutor at Chuncheon office has exposed that there was external pressure on the investigation of Kangwon Land’s corrupted recruitment. She was asked to delete the list of evidences on which Kwon Seong-dong, Yeom Dong-yeol from Liberty Korea Party and the name of chief prosecutor at that time appeared. Names like Choi Jong-won, a chief prosecutor of Chuncheon Office and Kim Soo-nam prosecutor-general are also mentioned in this case. Suspicions have been consistently raised for poor investigation and politicians and prosecutors jointly tried to cover it up. These clearly explains why investigation agency for high-ranking official is required in deed.

PSPD is demanding to find the truth through state inspection or special prosecutors if someone connived at Yeom and Kwon,and there were external pressures. PSPD has filed a claim for damage compensation last December and started to protest against Liberty Korea Party lawmakers including Kwon and Yeom who asked unfair favors to Kangwon Land and commercial banks in which 22 cases of unfair recruitment have been confirmed. Youth PSPD and various youth organizations strongly denounced corruptions in front of KEB Hana Bank which has the highest number of wrong recruitment cases and demanded to withdraw unfair employment and revived victims. They also held a press conference urging prosecutors to carry out strict investigation and give a reasonable punishment.

Urge to adopt Universal Children’s Allowance

Finally, Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly passed the bill to give child benefit excluding top 10% income household. The Ministry of Health and Welfare said to push forward for universal benefit but failed to get agreement from oppositions including Liberty Korea Party. A welfare system which separates tax payers and recipient is not sustainable. It did not consider administrative waste and hindrance to social integration which would be caused by excluding top 10%. In respect to this, PSPD and many childcare institutions and organizations are consistently demanding the government and the National Assembly to adopt universal children’s allowance as promised at the last presidential election. In coming general election, citizens will be informed of parties and politicians that are in charge of distorted child benefit.