A key Samsung Electronics shareholder group launched a counter-demonstration outside Chairman Lee Jae-yong’s residence in Seoul’s Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, on October 21. The event, organized by the Republic of Korea Shareholder Movement Headquarters, ran from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and directly challenged a union rally planned for later that day.
Response to Union General Strike Announcement
The shareholder gathering opposed a union meeting scheduled for after 1 p.m. at the same location, where labor representatives intended to announce plans for a general strike. Approximately 30 members attended the shareholder event, highlighting tensions over company operations.
Samsung Electronics senior executives had arranged a strategy session on foundry business matters at the chairman’s residence around the same time, raising concerns about potential disruptions from the protests.
Ongoing Pressure from Shareholders
The group previously criticized union actions on October 23, when labor organizers held a large pledge rally involving around 40,000 participants at the Pyeongtaek plant. Shareholders argued that the union’s demands excessively infringe on property rights and urged the company to eliminate non-unionized executive positions.
