Memories of solidarity shared among democratic unions: People who became fences and hills

The author recounts a recent visit to Seoul, extending the trip to reconnect with elder figures who shaped the democratic labor movement in South Korea. The visit to Shin In-ryeong, former president of Ewha Womans University and a pivotal figure at the Christian Academy's labor division, is central. Shin In-ryeong's dedication to nurturing labor leaders through educational programs and publications like "Monthly Dialogue" is remembered.

“

You said you were nervous about becoming a union delegate, right? As delegates who must carry on the democratic labor movement, you must maintain that new tension and trembling.

Accompanying Shin In-ryeong was Lee Pil-nam, a former organization head for the Wonpung Spinning union. Lee Pil-nam's warmth and generosity, particularly in preparing and sharing meals, exemplify the spirit of solidarity. The act of sharing food, symbolized by a framed poem "Rice is Heaven" in the office of the Korea Labor Welfare Council, underscores the deep connections forged through communal meals, a practice that seems to be fading in contemporary society.

The narrative delves into the history of the Christian Academy, founded in 1965, which provided leadership training across various sectors, including labor. Shin In-ryeong's work in the labor division was instrumental in developing activists who later played crucial roles in the democratic labor movement. Despite the academy's forceful dissolution by the Yushin regime in 1979 due to accusations of being pro-communist, the impact of its training and the resilience of its participants, including union leaders who endured harsh interrogations, are highlighted.

“

Rice is Heaven. When rice enters the mouth, one embraces Heaven within the body. Rice is something to be shared.

Shin In-ryeong's role as a popular instructor at the Wonpung union is recalled, emphasizing her message of embracing the "trembling" that comes with new responsibilities, a sentiment that resonates with the author. The article also acknowledges the broader network of solidarity facilitated by organizations like the Christian Academy, the Urban Industrial Mission, and the Catholic Young Workers Movement (JOC), which served as crucial platforms for democratic unions such as Control Data, Ban-do Sangsa, and YH Trading to connect and mobilize.

“

Even though I have forgotten many names now, I have not forgotten the names of the labor comrades who worked together in the 70s and 80s.