A driver accused of ramming members of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) Public Transport Workers' Union Cargo Solidarity and causing casualties appeared for a pretrial detention hearing on the 23rd.
Driver A, in their 40s, got out of a police van around 10:25 a.m. and entered the Jinju branch of the Changwon District Court in South Gyeongsang. When asked by reporters, "Do you have anything to say to the victim or the bereaved family?" A said, "I am truly sorry." When asked whether it was A's own decision to drive off after the crash or if it was ordered by the company, A answered, "No. I did not recognize the crash."
A is accused of driving a 2.5-ton (t) truck out of the CU logistics center (BGF Logistics Jinju Center) in Jinju, South Gyeongsang, on the 20th, hitting and killing one Cargo Solidarity member who was blocking the truck and injuring two others.
Police arrested A at the scene on charges of aggravated bodily injury but later changed the charge to murder, determining there was oblique intent. Police said A continued driving despite recognizing the risk of death.
A is a nonmember, not affiliated with Cargo Solidarity, and was deployed to the site as a replacement driver as the strike dragged on.
Cargo Solidarity member B also underwent a pretrial detention hearing that day. B is accused of driving a Cargo Solidarity van at 1:33 p.m. on the 20th and pushing through a barricade set up at the main gate of the CU logistics center, obstructing special official duties. Three police officers were injured in the process.
B appeared in court the same day and said, "I am sorry."
A decision on whether to detain A and B is expected in the afternoon. Earlier, Cargo Solidarity member C was detained on charges of obstructing special official duties after brandishing a weapon and attempting self-harm at the CU logistics center rally site.