Disability Rights Protest Paralyzes Traffic Near Jonggak Station

On the morning of the 21st, traffic during the morning commute was paralyzed for over 30 minutes around Seoul's Jonggak Station due to a protest by the National Federation of Persons with Disabilities (NFPDP). The NFPDP began its protest around 8:10 AM, occupying bus lanes on the road near Jonggak Station. The demonstration was held to demand the guarantee of transportation rights for people with disabilities, including the introduction of low-floor buses and an increase in related budget allocations.

Protesters, including activists in wheelchairs, blocked the front of buses and unfurled banners on bus roofs, demanding, "Immediately replace discriminatory buses with low-floor buses." This protest led to traffic paralysis in the Jonggak Station area, with passengers disembarking from buses and other buses rerouting, causing significant congestion.

A clash occurred between the protesters blocking traffic and the police. During the confrontation, one police officer was hit by a wheelchair and sustained bruises, requiring hospitalization. The NFPDP also held a rally at the Sejong-daero intersection in Gwanghwamun on the 20th. The police are conducting a preliminary investigation (pre-charge inquiry) into NFPDP officials regarding the repeated bus occupation protests.