The Revolt of Eve A History of Women Worker’s Labor Movement from 1960~1970

The Korean labor movement began in earnest in 1970 under the leadership of the Yeongdeungpo Industrial Mission, coinciding with a push for economic development. However, at that time, the labor movement primarily remained within the framework of government-sanctioned unions, addressing only the basic issues faced by workers. Starting in 1973, the movement evolved beyond previous methods to develop into a democratic union movement that focused on workers’ substantive and human rights. This democratic labor movement, spearheaded by female workers, brought about significant changes not only in politics, but also throughout society. First, it led to the downfall of the long-standing Park Chung-hee dictatorship, which had maintained power through the Yushin system. The realization of this outcome was not the result of resistance led by social leaders or the collective effort of the whole nation Rather, it was the struggle of female workers, the most marginalized group in society; who, as victims of economic development, resisted the injustices of society in their pursuit of a dignified life through democratic labor. Therefore, understanding the collapse of the Yushin dictatorship of the Park Chung-hee military regime in 1978 and the subsequent democratization of politics and realization of social justice cannot be achieved without examining the labor movement of female workers from the late 1970s to the 1980s.