Jeon Jang-yeon Protests Subway Service Cuts in Seoul Over Disability Rights

INTRODUCTION

Disability rights activist Jeon Jang‑yeon has once again made headlines following a subway protest in Seoul’s Myeongdong Station. On 21 April 2025, Jeon and fellow campaigners staged a “ride to work” demonstration, demanding better transport access and government funding for disability inclusion. The protest escalated when trains were forced to skip stops, disrupting the morning commute. This latest action highlights ongoing tensions around accessibility in public transportation for people with disabilities — and Jeon’s growing role as a public voice for systemic change.

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What Happened / Background

• Jeon Jang‑yeon is a leading figure in the National Solidarity for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities, advocating for mobility rights. First-Class News+2Asiae CM+2
• On 21 April 2025, activists confronted Seoul Metro staff on the platform of Myeongdong Station early in the morning. First-Class News
• As a result of the protest, 18 inbound and 16 outbound trains bypassed the station for about one hour, disrupting the morning rush. First-Class News

Key Developments & Reactions

• Jeon argued that Seoul Metro’s refusal to accommodate the protest represented “an illegal suppression of the mobility rights of people with disabilities.” Asiae CM+1
• After the initial escalation, police forcibly removed some of the protestors around 9:27 AM, and train service resumed around 9:32 AM. First-Class News
• On 2 August 2024, a representative of Jeon Jang-yeon’s organization was sentenced in connection to an earlier protest: using a wheelchair, the person damaged elevator doors during a demonstration. Asiae CM

Analysis / Impact

• Public Awareness: The protest has reignited the national conversation about the need for accessible public transport infrastructure for people with disabilities.
• Policy Pressure: Jeon’s repeated actions put pressure on both the government and transport authorities to prioritize funding and design changes in subway and transit systems.
• Symbolic Power: By targeting a high-traffic and symbolic location like Myeongdong, Jeon’s group demonstrates not only the practical aspects of inaccessibility but also the dignity and visibility of disabled commuters.
• Tension with Authorities: The strong response from police and Seoul Metro suggests that authorities are wary of protests disrupting key transport lines — but the activists argue disruption is necessary to drive change.

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Reference

• Financial News — Report on Jeon Jang‑yeon’s train protest at Myeongdong Station. First-Class News
• Asia경제 — Arrest and hospitalization of Jeon Jang‑yeon during protest. Asiae CM
• Asia경제 — Lawsuit and court sentence for property damage by Jeon Jang‑yeon’s group representative. Asiae CM

CONCLUSION

Jeon Jang‑yeon’s subway protest at Myeongdong Station underlines persistent challenges for accessibility in public transport. Her actions are a powerful reminder that mobility is not a privilege — it’s a human right. Whether authorities respond with real infrastructure change or continue to resist, Jeon’s campaign is raising the profile of an issue that affects thousands of disabled commuters every day.

“Truth matters — Dkolla Team”

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