Union workers at Korean National Railway went on strike over the government's plan to privatize the railway system, which they feared would result in job losses. The strike was unpopular with the public, as it had forced the cancellation of many trains. Today, members of the railroad union have voted to end the strike and return to work. The government was eager to see this strike settled in order to send a message that labor disputes were under control and encourage foreign business.
See "Rail strike ends, giving Roh a victory", Don Kirk, International Herald Tribune, June 30, 2003