Protests set to continue

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) announced on 2 July 2008 that protests against the resumption of U.S. beef imports will continue. Tens of thousands of workers at Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors staged a two-hour strike on 2 July, with another work-stoppage set to occur on 3 July. Thousands of other workers affiliated with the KCTU will also stage a four-hour work stoppage on 3 July. A large-scale street demonstration is expected in Seoul on 5 July. Although organizers intend the protest in Seoul to be peaceful, there is a risk that the gathering will involve violence as seen in the protests over the 28-29 June weekend. Despite daily protests since May 2008, the government has begun the distribution of U.S. beef throughout the country. Additional KCTU-backed rallies are expected when U.S. President George W. Bush arrives in Seoul on 5-6 August, ahead of his trip to Beijing for the Olympics.