A placard from the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) reading "Forward to Socialism Political Camp" displayed in front of the Kyunghyang Shinmun annex building. ⒸHanmi Ilbo 

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), currently facing public outrage over a "5.5 billion KRW rental deposit support" issue, has put up a "Forward to Socialism Political Camp" placard (banner), causing shock.

A placard with a red background reading "Forward to Socialism Political Camp 2025," with the slogan "From an Era of Crisis to an Era of Revolution!", has been displayed since the 28th to the 30th at the KCTU headquarters in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, organized by the Metal Workers' Union within the KCTU. 

"March to Socialism" (Jeonjin), founded on October 1, 2022, is an organization within the KCTU that pursues the formation of a socialist political force, with the ideological goal of abolishing the capitalist system and building a socialist society in Korea. 

In addition to the placard, Jeonjin posted a promotional video for its 2025 Political Camp on social media (SNS) titled "Why I want to become a socialist from a solidarity activist."

Regarding the "December 3 martial law," Jeonjin stated, "It was not a coincidental event but a coup attempt that arose from the chronic crisis of capitalism and the growth of the global far-right." They added, "We are witnessing an unprecedented far-right shift in our generation. Even after impeachment, far-right individuals in their 20s and 30s shout 'destroy communism' while waving the Taegeukgi and the Stars and Stripes together."

Furthermore, they explained the purpose of the political camp: "The rightward shift within campuses, which tolerates far-right voices, is emerging as a backlash that dismantles the strongholds of past student movements. In an era where 'student movements are ruined' has become a mere joke, we discuss why the struggle against capitalism is the only remaining answer for student movements."

Following this, comments such as "Then go to North Korea if you like socialism so much, why are you like this in a liberal democratic capitalist country?" and "Real commies" were posted.

Meanwhile, on the 17th, a budget bill was passed by the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee, supporting the KCTU and the Federation of Korean Trade Unions with 5.5 billion KRW each for "rental deposits" and "office facility renovation costs," respectively. 

The People Power Party opposed the 11 billion KRW support, calling it "compensatory support for the change of government," but their objection was not reflected. This budget will be finally confirmed after passing through the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and the plenary session.

The KCTU currently occupies a total of six floors in the main and annex buildings of Kyunghyang Shinmun in Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, with a deposit of 3.1 billion KRW and a monthly rent of 26 million KRW. It was also revealed that the government supported approximately 2.998 billion KRW in deposits over five installments from 2002 to 2005.

Editorial Department, Hanmi Ilbo