Disability rights protests disrupt Seoul subway service

Members of the National Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD) launched a series of morning subway protests at Seoul Station to demand increased government spending on disability rights. On August 18, the demonstrations caused significant disruptions, leading Seoul Metro to bypass Seoul Station for certain Line 1 and Line 4 trains.

Park Hong-geun, Minister of Planning and Budget, responded to the protests by stating that government budgets are not subject to negotiation based on the intensity of demonstrations. While acknowledging the need to protect disability mobility and labor rights, Park emphasized that the government must also protect the daily lives of all citizens from repeated inconvenience.

Regarding disability taxi support, Park noted that while the responsibility was transferred to local governments in 2005, the state continues to provide annual support for vehicle purchases and operations through revised laws. The Ministry maintained that budget decisions will be based on policy validity and fiscal principles rather than protest actions.