Union leader denies charges of trespassing, property damage in first trial

Go Jin-su, the head of the Sejong Hotel branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions' service union, largely denied charges against him during his first trial at the Seoul Western District Court. He faces accusations including joint obstruction of buildings, joint property damage, obstruction of public duty, and insult. Go is accused of trespassing into the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and damaging its entrance doors in April, as part of a protest supporting Ji Hye-bok, a teacher dismissed for raising issues of school violence. He is also charged with obstructing police duties during a rally outside the education office earlier that month. Additionally, he faces charges for obstructing business during a protest for reinstatement at the Sejong Hotel in February. Go's defense team argued that his actions, including obstructing public duty and insults, were protests against unlawful state power and therefore justifiable. They also stated that his entry into the education office was to check on the safety of Ji Hye-bok, who was staging a high-altitude protest, and that he did not conspire to damage any property. The defense acknowledged some charges related to obstructing business during the Sejong Hotel protest, but argued for leniency due to the prolonged nature of the reinstatement struggle and minimal damage caused to the hotel. The court is scheduled to hear testimony from three police officers who claim to be victims of Go's actions on August 14. Go Jin-su was released on bail on June 12 after being detained for 56 days.

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The defendant's actions, which occurred during a protest against unlawful state power, do not constitute obstruction of public duty. The insult charge is also invalid as it was a protest against the illegal exercise of state power.