[Unofficial Korean-to-English translation provided by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

"Prosecutors reject arrest warrants for two Metal Workers' Union leaders at 'Korea Optical' protest," 19 April 2024

Prosecutors on April 19 rejected an arrest warrant requested by police for two members of the Korean Metal Workers' Union for allegedly disobeying a dispersal order during a protest to call for the retention of employees at Korea Optical High Tech.

According to police, the prosecutor's office rejected an arrest warrant requested by the Pyeongtaek Police Station on the same day for two union leaders on charges of violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

The prosecutors reportedly determined that the reasons for the arrest of A and B were not sufficiently proven.

...Meanwhile, Korea Optical High Tech, a Japanese-invested company that has been producing LCD polarizing films since its establishment in 2003, decided to liquidate in October 2022 after a fire broke out at its factory in Gumi, Gyeongbuk.

Some employees who refused the company's request to retire are now demanding to be transferred to other local factories, such as Korea Nitto Optical in Pyeongtaek.

...