Public Forum

한국어

• [Seoul]

  Movements to Remove Yoon Suk-yeol & Workers' Struggles

  05 December(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Journalist for Workers’ Solidarity newspaper, co-author of Moon Jae-in Administration’s Betrayal of Candlelight movement’s Hope for Change)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (near Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn. / 258 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno District, Seoul)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  Yoon Suk-yeol is facing a serious political crisis. Massive anti-Yoon protests have continued for 4 consecutive weeks, and declarations from professors and academics on the national situation are spreading. As Yoon’s prestige crumbles and his crisis deepens, workers are beginning to gain confidence and showing signs of resisting austerity measures and restructuring plans. We will discuss how the movements to remove Yoon can be strengthened and achieve results, and what workers’ movements should do to take advantage of Yoon’s crisis.

  

Past Public Forums

• [Eastern Seoul]

  Ended

  Trump re-elected: What will change?

  14 November(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo(A Workers' Solidarity journalist for international affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Heungsadan Building, Auditorium on the 3rd Floor (between Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  Trump has been re-elected as President of the US. The far right and fascists in the US and around the world are celebrating. Contrary to mainstream media predictions of a close race, Democrat Harris suffered a landslide defeat. What does Trump’s re-election show? What impact will Trump’s re-election have on the US itself and the global politics, economy, and geopolitical conflicts — including on Middle East, US-China relations and the Korean Peninsula? We will explore the repercussions of Trump’s re-election and the tasks ahead for resistance.

  
• [Western Seoul]

  Ended

  Trump re-elected: What will change?

  13 November(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo(A Workers' Solidarity journalist for international affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hankyoreh Education Room 703 (5min. walk from Exit 6 of Sinchon Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  Trump has been re-elected as President of the US. The far right and fascists in the US and around the world are celebrating. Contrary to mainstream media predictions of a close race, Democrat Harris suffered a landslide defeat. What does Trump’s re-election show? What impact will Trump’s re-election have on the US itself and the global politics, economy, and geopolitical conflicts — including on Middle East, US-China relations and the Korean Peninsula? We will explore the repercussions of Trump’s re-election and the tasks ahead for resistance.

  
• [Workers' Solidarity Online Meeting]

  Ended Palestine, Lebanon ... Middle East on Fire:

  IMPERIALISM, RESISTANCE & REVOLUTION

  30 October(Wed) 8:00pm

  Speaker:

  Simon Assaf(Lebanese Marxist, active in UK. A member of editorial team of a Lebanese left media ‘Al Manshour’ and ‘Public Source.’ Also a member of Socialist Workers Party in UK.)

  Israel is pulling the entire Middle East into the war. While Israel seems all-powerful, it was previously defeated by popular resistance in Lebanon, led by Hezbollah. Will Hezbollah be able to repel Israel again, and what has changed and remains unchanged between then and now?

  To explore the political dynamics surrounding the escalation and the current state of resistance in Lebanon, we've invited Lebanese Marxist Simon Assaf, who worked as a correspondent covering the resistance during Israel's 2006 invasion of Lebanon and is currently an editorial member of leftist media in Lebanon. He'll also discuss the prospects for wider revolt against Israel in the Middle East.

  
• [Seoul]

  Ended

  ISLAMOPHOBIA – A Prevalent Form of Racism Today

  24 October(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Choi Il-bung (Member of the steering committee and international coordinator of Workers' Solidarity, author of Marxism and Religion, editor of Strategies and Tactics in the Struggle Against Oppression.)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4 (near Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn. / 258 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno District, Seoul)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  There is a widespread prejudice that views muslims as fanatics or as potential or actual terrorists. It is argued that Western values are rationality, individual freedom, and women's rights, while Islamic values are primitiveness, violence, and sexism. Not only the right-wing but also many liberals and even some leftists consider Islamism as a kind of right-wing ideology.
  Islamophobia has intensified in the West over the past 30 years, and now the situation is becoming similar in South Korea. We'll look at what is problematic about Islamophobia, where it originates, why it is increasing, and why we must oppose it.

  
• [Public Forum]

  Ended

  Is the Gaza war spilling over into the Middle East?

  02 October(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Lee Wonung(Journalist for Workers’ Solidarity newspaper, Editor of the book “The Failure of Israel's Ethnic Cleansing and the Prospects for Palestinian Liberation”)

  Venue:

  Seoul Kyowon Tour Bldg. B4(near Exit. 5 Jonggak Stn. / 258 Gwancheol-dong, Jongno District, Seoul)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity groups in Seoul

  The prospect of the Israel-Palestine war escalating into a broader Middle Eastern conflict has become more likely by events such as Israel’s recent terror attack that blasted communication devices in Lebanon. Israel has declared a “new phase of the war” and is moving toward all-out war with Hezbollah.

  Why is Israel pushing for escalation and why is the US not stopping it despite expressing concern? How should we view Hezbollah and Iran in the conflict with Israel? We will discuss how the Palestine solidarity movement should take a stance on the escalation and where does hope lie for Palestine.  

  
• [Gyeonggi/Incheon]

  Ended

  Yoon Govt.'s shift to far right & the New Right's view of history

  — What's the problem?

  26 September(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of “Recent History of Korea: A Historical Materialist Account from National Liberation to the Moon Jae-in Government”)

  Venue:

  2F Meeting Room(Gaon), Sindorim Stn. Bldg (In front of the ticket gate towards Exits 4~6 on the ground floor of Sindorim Stn. Line 1)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in Gyeonggi/Incheon

  Yoon Suk-yeol's recent appointment of far right figures to key positions has sparked controversy over the New Right's view of history. What is their view of history, and why is Yoon making these moves? From a Marxist perspective we will examine the international and domestic contexts, and problems of Yoon's shift to far right.

  
• [Workers' Solidarity Online Forum]

  Ended Bangladesh movement overthrew dictactor:

  How can Bangladesh people win real change?

  25 September(Wed) 8:00pm

  Speaker:

  Giles Ji Ungpakorn (Thai socialist living in exile in Scotland after facing a lèse majesté charge for criticizing Thai military's royalist coup)

  A month ago, the people of Bangladesh overthrew their dictator through their mass protest. The struggle was triggered by the reintroduction of a civil service quota system that favored supporters of the ruling party, but it was also rooted in widespread grievances including youth unemployment and cost-of-living crisis. However, the interim government that has since taken over is focused on stabilizing the situation rather than embarking on immediate reforms. How can the people of Bangladesh win the broader social change they want?
  Thai socialist Ungpakorn will discuss the history of Bangladesh, the nature of the military and the main political forces, the background and current situation of the movement that overthrew the dictator, and the real alternatives.

  
• [Eastern Seoul]

  Ended

  Yoon Govt.'s shift to far right & the New Right's view of history

  — What's the problem?

  12 September(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of “Recent History of Korea: A Historical Materialist Account from National Liberation to the Moon Jae-in Government”)

  Venue:

  Seoul Heungsadan Building, Auditorium on the 3rd Floor (between Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  Yoon Suk-yeol's recent appointment of far right figures to key positions has sparked controversy over the New Right's view of history. What is their view of history, and why is Yoon making these moves? From a Marxist perspective we will examine the international and domestic contexts, and problems of Yoon's shift to far right.

  
• [Western Seoul]

  Ended

  Yoon Govt.'s shift to far right & the New Right's view of history

  — What's the problem?

  11 September(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Munseong (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of “Recent History of Korea: A Historical Materialist Account from National Liberation to the Moon Jae-in Government”)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hankyoreh Education Room 703 (5min. walk from Exit 6 of Sinchon Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  Yoon Suk-yeol's recent appointment of far right figures to key positions has sparked controversy over the New Right's view of history. What is their view of history, and why is Yoon making these moves? From a Marxist perspective we will examine the international and domestic contexts, and problems of Yoon's shift to far right.

  
• [Gyeonggi/Incheon]

  Ended

  Trump, Harris and the Turmoil in US Politics

  28 August(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (A Workers' Solidarity journalist for international affairs)

  Venue:

  2F Meeting Room(Gaon), Sindorim Stn. Bldg (In front of the ticket gate towards Exits 4~6 on the ground floor of Sindorim Stn. Line 1)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in Gyeonggi/Incheon

  With the prospect of Trump's return to the White House looming, US politics is in turmoil. A series of extraordinary events has unfolded — from the assassination attempt on Trump to Biden dropping out of his re-election bid and being replaced by Kamala Harris.
  What's behind this potential return of Trump to power? Will Harris and the Democrats be able to stop him? What will be changed by this election? We will examine the meaning of the turmoil surrounding the US presidential race and discuss where the real hope lies in this political crisis.

  
• [Eastern Seoul]

  Ended

  Trump, Harris and the Turmoil in US Politics

  22 August(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (A Workers' Solidarity journalist for international affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Heungsadan Building, Auditorium on the 3rd Floor (between Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  With the prospect of Trump's return to the White House looming, US politics is in turmoil. A series of extraordinary events has unfolded — from the assassination attempt on Trump to Biden dropping out of his re-election bid and being replaced by Kamala Harris.
  What's behind this potential return of Trump to power? Will Harris and the Democrats be able to stop him? What will be changed by this election? We will examine the meaning of the turmoil surrounding the US presidential race and discuss where the real hope lies in this political crisis.

  
• [Western Seoul]

  Ended

  Trump, Harris and the Turmoil in US Politics

  21 August(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Joonhyo (A Workers' Solidarity journalist for international affairs)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hankyoreh Education Room 703 (5 min. walk from Exit 6 of Sinchon Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  With the prospect of Trump's return to the White House looming, US politics is in turmoil. A series of extraordinary events has unfolded — from the assassination attempt on Trump to Biden dropping out of his re-election bid and being replaced by Kamala Harris.
  What's behind this potential return of Trump to power? Will Harris and the Democrats be able to stop him? What will be changed by this election? We will examine the meaning of the turmoil surrounding the US presidential race and discuss where the real hope lies in this political crisis.

  
• [Eastern Seoul]

  Ended

  How should we take a stance on migrant inflows

  — should we oppose these inflows because of migrants' poor conditions?

  08 August(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Kim Kwang-il (migrant labor attorney, a member of Workers' Solidarity)

  Venue:

  Seoul Heungsadan Building, Auditorium on the 3rd Floor (between Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  Europe's tightened border controls have led to the drowning of tens of thousands of refugees. Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation of immigrants in US history if re-elected. But even those who oppose these cruelties think that we somehow have to control migration. Or should we? 

  Now, the proportion of migrants has become considerable in South Korea as well. Debates over migration control, such as refugee recognition and the introduction of foreign domestic workers, are becoming more frequent. We will discuss whether it's right to oppose the inflow of migrants because of their poor conditions and what stance we should take on migration control. 

  
• [Western Seoul]

  Ended

  How should we take a stance on migrant inflows

  — should we oppose these inflows because of migrants' poor conditions?

  07 August(Wed) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Im JoonHyung (Journalist for Workers' Solidarity newspaper, co-author of “Why should we welcom refugees”)

  Venue:

  Seoul Hankyoreh Education Room 703 (5 min. walk from Exit 6 of Sinchon Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in western Seoul

  Europe's tightened border controls have led to the drowning of tens of thousands of refugees. Trump has vowed to carry out the largest deportation of immigrants in US history if re-elected. But even those who oppose these cruelties think that we somehow have to control migration. Or should we? 

  Now, the proportion of migrants has become considerable in South Korea as well. Debates over migration control, such as refugee recognition and the introduction of foreign domestic workers, are becoming more frequent. We will discuss whether it's right to oppose the inflow of migrants because of their poor conditions and what stance we should take on migration control. 

  
• [Eastern Seoul]

  Ended

  The Controversy over Political Correctness: How Should We View It?

  25 July(Thu) 7:30pm

  Speaker:

  Yang Hyo-young (a coauthor of the book “Transgender Oppression and Liberation”)

  Venue:

  Seoul Auditorium on the 3rd floor of Heungsadan building (between Exits 1 and 2 of Hyehwa Stn.)

  Hosted by

  Workers' Solidarity local groups in eastern Seoul

  “Political correctness”(PC) refers to an attitude or a line of policy that opposes and seeks to correct discriminatory language and policies. A similar term is “woke,” which refers to a keen awareness of discrimination issues. These have long been under attack from the right, with Donald Trump at the forefront of these attacks.
  More recently, criticism on "political correctness" has come from the progressive side as well. South Korea is no exception. There’s an argument that we need to ditch “woke” to win back the support of workers. We will discuss why this debate is happening and what stance we should take.