Public Forum

한국어

• [Western Seoul]

  Struggles over Performance Pay & Controversy over Profit-Sharing and Solidarity Wages

  — A Marxist Perspective

  10 June(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Workers' Solidarity journalist)

  Venue:

  Seoul Platform P, multi-purpose room 2F (5 min. walk from Exit 4 & 7 Hongik Univ. Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  After Samsung Electronics workers’ struggle, demands for performance pay and wage increases are emerging in many workplaces. In response, the bosses' organisation insists that performance pay is not subject to collective bargaining.

  Meanwhile, the Lee Jae-myung govt. has proposed social dialogue on profit-sharing schemes and solidarity wages, arguing for ‘beneficial coexistence’ by narrowing the gap between big businesses and subcontractors.

  How should we view these proposals? Do wage struggles by workers at big companies merely widen the gap with low-wage workers? From a Marxist perspective, we will examine these recent wage issues.

  
• [Eastern Seoul]

  Struggles over Performance Pay & Controversy over Profit-Sharing and Solidarity Wages

  — A Marxist Perspective

  11 June(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Workers' Solidarity journalist)

  Venue:

  Seoul

  Young Korean Academy Bldg., Auditorium 3F (btw. Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  After Samsung Electronics workers’ struggle, demands for performance pay and wage increases are emerging in many workplaces. In response, the bosses' organisation insists that performance pay is not subject to collective bargaining.

  Meanwhile, the Lee Jae-myung govt. has proposed social dialogue on profit-sharing schemes and solidarity wages, arguing for ‘beneficial coexistence’ by narrowing the gap between big businesses and subcontractors.

  How should we view these proposals? Do wage struggles by workers at big companies merely widen the gap with low-wage workers? From a Marxist perspective, we will examine these recent wage issues.

  

Past Public Forums

• [Ended] [Eastern Seoul]

  The Era of AI and Robotics: The End of Labor?

  30 April(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kang Dong-hoon (Workers' Solidarity journalist for economic affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Western CO-OP Hotel & Residence B1 Conference Room A (5 min. walk from Exit 12 DDP Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  Earlier this year Hyundai attracted a lot of attention by unveiling humanoid robots. More recently, at a meeting with the president, Yang Kyung-soo, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, expressed concern that “the introduction of physical AI means the destruction of jobs.” President Lee Jae-myung also remarked that “although there're concerns about the introduction of AI, it would be inevitable.”

  So predictions are widespread that AI and robots will rapidly replace jobs. From a Marxist perspective, we will examine the myths and realities surrounding the impact of AI on the labor market and the workplace, and discuss how workers should response.

  
• [Ended] [Western Seoul]

  The Era of AI and Robotics: The End of Labor?

  29 April(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kang Dong-hoon (Workers' Solidarity journalist for economic affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hanbit Bldg. A, Lecture Room 60(2F) (5 min. walk from Exit 4 Hongik Univ. Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  Earlier this year Hyundai attracted a lot of attention by unveiling humanoid robots. More recently, at a meeting with the president, Yang Kyung-soo, president of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, expressed concern that “the introduction of physical AI means the destruction of jobs.” President Lee Jae-myung also remarked that “although there're concerns about the introduction of AI, it would be inevitable.”

  So predictions are widespread that AI and robots will rapidly replace jobs. From a Marxist perspective, we will examine the myths and realities surrounding the impact of AI on the labor market and the workplace, and discuss how workers should response.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  The US-Israeli War on Iran ─ A Marxist Perspective

  16 April(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Choi Il-bung (Member of the steering committee, the international coordinator of Workers’ Solidarity, the author of Russian Revolution: Hope and Defeat)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (5 min. walk from Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  The war on Iran is claiming the lives of countless Iranians and pushing the lives of people around the world into crisis. Trump’s threat to reduce Iran to the Stone Age is truly horrifying. But does opposing the war waged by Trump and Netanyahu mean siding with the brutal Iranian regime? In a situation that is not so simple, what position should we take?

  We will discuss these questions surrounding the war on Iran from a Marxist perspective.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  The US Demand for Participation in War:

  Trump, the US-Korea Alliance & Strategic Flexibility

  02 April(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Ha-young (Member of the steering committee of Workers' Solidarity, co-author of the book East Asia and Korean Peninsula Seen Through the Theory of Imperialism)

  Venue:

  Seoul Spaceshare Seoul Stn. Center., Diamond Hall 9F (107, Huam-ro, Yongsan-gu)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  Trump, who has openly disregarded the allies and extorted them with tariffs, is now demanding that the allies, including S. Korea, deploy troops for the war on Iran.

  Trump is pressuring S. Korea by claiming that the US does a lot to help S. Korea. This is hardly surprising. The Trump administration has already been pushing to “modernize” the alliance while demanding greater burden-sharing of S. Korea. And the war on Iran has given a glimpse of what that means in practice.

  What kinds of changes does the “modernization” of the US-Korea alliance imply? How will it manifest itself in Asia, the front line of US–China rivalry? And how should the left respond to this sharply polarizing issue?

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  Imperialism in the Middle East, the War on Iran & Controversy over sending S. Korean Troops

  19 March(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Young-ik (Co-author of The Failure of Israel's Ethnic Cleansing and the Prospects for the Palestinian Liberation)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (5 min. walk from Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  The US-Israeli war on Iran is causing immense suffering and sending shockwaves around the world. Trump is now demanding that that S. Korea send troops.

  The Middle East is a region where global powers such as the United States, China, and Russia, along with regional powers like Israel and Iran, have been competing fiercely, deepening the crisis and worsening the suffering of ordinary people. How did the region become an arena for such intense rivalry?

  What position should we take on the war between the global power, the United States, and the regional power, Iran? How should we respond to the issue of sending the S. Korean troops? Let’s discuss.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  Emergency Public Forum

  The US-Israel War on Iran: Where is the Middle East Heading?

  05 March(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim In-sik (Publisher of Workers’ Solidarity newspaper)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (5 min. walk from Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  As the US and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iran, and Iran responds with retaliatory strikes, the Middle East is once again engulfed in turmoil. Concerns are mounting that this could escalate into the 5th regional war.

  Donald Trump claims he seeks regime change for the sake of the Iranian people. Setting aside the worn-out imperialist lie of “liberation through bombing,” can the Trump regime actually achieve its goal of regime change in Iran? What will be the impact of this war on the Middle East and the global order? We will discuss how those who hope for a world without war should respond to this crisis.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  ICE OUT! Eyewitness from the US:

  Brutal immigration raids and Expanding anti-Trump Resistance

  12 February(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Olivia Park (a Korean staying in the US)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Challenge Hall (5 min. walk from Exit 5 Jonggak Stn. / 6 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno District)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  A wave of outrage and resistance is sweeping across the US in response to Trump’s raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE). In particular, the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti have led to mass resistance in Minneapolis, with solidarity demonstrations spreading nationwide.
  We will hear a vivid account from a Korean in the US who experienced these protests, examine why the Trump regime is targeting immigrants, and discuss the significance and prospects of the resistance.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  In Light of the Situation in Venezuela:

  Trotsky’s Theory of Permanent Revolution

  22 January(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Choi Il-bung (Member of the steering committee, the international coordinator of Workers' Solidarity, the author of Russian Revolution: Hope and Defeat)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (5 min. walk from Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  After the abduction of President Maduro, Trump is now attempting to co-opt members of the Venezuelan cabinet to turn the country into a client state. Can ‘Maduro government without Maduro’ truly offer consistent resistance? What is needed for the Venezuelan people to defeat U.S. imperialism?

  With his theory of permanent revolution, Leon Trotsky provided vital insights into how the historical task of national liberation can be achieved. We'll discuss what they are and how it should be applied today.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  Venezuela: Trump’s Invasion and the New Struggle Against US Imperialism

  09 January(Fri) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (Co-author of Crisis in Venezuela - Backgrounds and Prospects, Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper)

  Venue:

  Seoul Samkyung Education Center, 6F (Exit 14 of Seoul Station / 391 Hangang-daero, Yongsan District)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  On January 3 Donald Trump invaded Venezuela, kidnapped President Maduro and declared that the US would “run Venezuela” until  transition of power. Trump has also signaled the possibility of further and expanded attacks.

  Why is the US once again pointing its guns at Latin America with such blatant barbarism, and what will be the impact on the international order? How should the Venezuelans and anti-imperialists worldwide fight back? Join us for this important the discussion.

  
• [Ended] [Seoul]

  One Year Since the Dec. 3 Martial Law Declaration:

  Auto-Coup, Far-Right Politics & Democracy

  04 December(Thu) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Jang Ho-jong (Co-author of the book Auto-Coup, Far-Right Politics, and Democracy, Reporter for Workers' Solidarity)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (5 min. walk from Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  Although Yoon Suk Yeol’s coup attempt failed one year ago, the task of eradicating the coup forces remains far from complete, and the People Power Party, becoming the far-right, is seeking a resurgence.

  In this situation, the issue of eradicating the coup forces leads some on the Left to believe they must cooperate with the Democratic Party, while others dismiss the issue on the ground that the coup failed quickly. But are those really the case?

  We will discuss the significance of Yoon’s coup and how it changed the political landscape irreversibly, why the effort to eradicate the coup forces is making little progress, and what is required to defend the democracy.

  
• [Ended] [Eastern Seoul]

  Public Forum with an Egyptian Refugee:

  Refugee Recognition Rate of ~1% …
  Why is Korean Govt. so Harsh toward the Refugees?

  27 November(Thu) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Ali Shehata(Egyptian political refugee)
  Kim Kwang-il(migrant labor attorney, a member of Workers' Solidarity)

  Venue:

  Seoul Young Korean Academy Bldg., Auditorium 3F (btw. Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  In 2015, as large number of refugees arrived in Europe, the question of refugee emerged as a major international issue. Ten years on, refugees around the world still face hardship. Here in Korea, too, the government has been extremely stingy in accepting refugees, and there's a push to reform the Refugee Law for worse.

  We will hear from an Egyptian refugee who has lived eight years without having his refugee application granted. He will talk about the hardship asylum applicants face and their struggles, and we will discuss why the Korean government is so harsh in recognizing refugees and why we should welcome the refugees.

  
• [Ended] [Western Seoul]

  What is Gender, and Why Has it Become a New Battleground?

  19 November(Wed) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Sung Ji-hyun (Journalist for Workers’ Solidarity newspaper)

  Venue:

  Seoul Platform P, multi-purpose room 2F (5 min. walk from Exit 4 & 7 Hongik Univ. Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  Today, “gender” has become a politically contested concept. Rejection of traditional gender norms is growing, and more and more people are openly identifying as transgender. In response, the far right has launched attacks against “gender ideology.” Meanwhile, gender has become a subject of debate also among those who are against oppression of women.

  So what exactly is gender, and why has it become so contentious? Why does the right wing take aim at gender? Are the rights of women and transgender people in conflict? We’ll discuss on what stance we should take towards the debates around gender.

  
• [Ended] [Eastern Seoul]

  What's behind Trump's threat on Venezuela?

  06 November(Thu) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of Crisis in Venezuela - Backgrounds and Prospects)

  Venue:

  Seoul Heungsadan Bldg., Auditorium 3F (btw. Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  As Trump deploys aircraft carrier strike group off the coast of Venezuela, tension has risen over the country. Trump is seeking a regime change there and is accusing its president, Maduro, as the kingpin of a drug cartel.

  While Trump has styled himself on the international stage as a “peacemaker”, his threat on Venezuela will be the first large-scale military action in decades conducted by US in Latin America. What is behind such move? The meeting will discuss the background and nature of Trump’s attack and its impacts.

  
• [Ended] [Western Seoul]

  What's behind Trump's threat on Venezuela?

  05 November(Wed) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of Crisis in Venezuela - Backgrounds and Prospects)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hanbit Bldg. A, Lecture Room 60(2F) (5 min. walk from Exit 4 Hongik Univ. Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  As Trump deploys aircraft carrier strike group off the coast of Venezuela, tension has risen over the country. Trump is seeking a regime change there and is accusing its president, Maduro, as the kingpin of a drug cartel.

  While Trump has styled himself on the international stage as a “peacemaker”, his threat on Venezuela will be the first large-scale military action in decades conducted by US in Latin America. What is behind such move? The meeting will discuss the background and nature of Trump’s attack and its impacts.

  
• [Ended] [Eastern Seoul]

  Trump's $350 billion investment demand …:

  Is Korea being dispossessed?

  16 October(Thu) 2025, 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kang Dong-hoon (Editorial board member of Marx21, journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper)

  Venue:

  Seoul Doing Good Center, NPOpia Hall 5F (3 min. walk from Exit 5 Jongno 3-ga stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  The Trump administration is pressuring Korea to put up $350 billion in cash. It also seeks to take most of the investment returns. This has sparked public outrage in Korea, and many on the left regard the U.S. demand as plunder and are arguing for defending the national interest. Yet the Lee Jae-myung administration, while looking bewildered, is reluctant to halt cooperation with the United States.

  Why do the Lee Jae-myung administration and bosses go on with accepting the demand? Should the left support Korean capitalism in the face of U.S. plunder?