The Solidarity Against Disability Discrimination (SADD) resumed its subway boarding protests today (July 2) for the first time in six months.

SADD held its 69th "Subway Boarding" protest this morning, boarding a train at City Hall Station on Line 1 at approximately 8:50 a.m. and disembarking at Seoul Station at approximately 8:53 a.m. after traveling one stop.

The protest was carried out by 60 activists, who divided into groups of 10 to board six different subway cars.

The train was crowded enough that some passengers were standing, but all activists in wheelchairs were able to board.

Park Kyung-seok, leader of SADD, stated, "We are not here just to talk about the elevator issue; we are here to discuss the overall mobility rights of people with disabilities," adding, "The government must reflect the costs to guarantee the rights of people with disabilities in next year's budget."

The group is demanding that the Ministry of Economy and Finance guarantee a budget for disability rights and is urging the Seoul Metropolitan Government to withdraw the dismissal of 400 workers in rights-centered public jobs.

SADD had halted its subway boarding protests after the last demonstration on January 2, resuming them today after a six-month hiatus.

Additionally, the group resumed its regular bus boarding protests yesterday (July 1) at a bus stop near Hyehwa Rotary in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

(Photo: Yonhap News)