On April 17, 2026, members of the National Federation of Trade Unions’ NH Nonghyup branch continued their fifth consecutive day of a rooftop protest at the NH Nonghyup Tower in Seoul’s Jongno district. The demonstration, initiated on April 13, opposes proposed amendments to the Agricultural Cooperatives Act currently under review in the National Assembly. Union officials state the action aims to block legislative passage of what they describe as an overreach threatening the autonomy of South Korea’s agricultural cooperative system.
The protest centers on specific provisions within the reform package, including the establishment of an Agricultural Cooperative Audit Committee and strengthened oversight authority for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Union leaders argue these changes constitute excessive interference in internal governance, undermining constitutional protections for cooperative self-management. They further contend the reforms are being pursued amid broader concerns about governance influence following recent controversies involving cooperative leadership.
Union Chairperson Woo Jin-ha, speaking from the protest site, acknowledged shared goals with reform advocates but emphasized that existing regulatory frameworks could be strengthened through incremental adjustments rather than structural overhaul. “The intent behind the proposal is understandable,” Woo stated, “but we believe supervisory and internal control functions can be adequately restored through careful refinement of current systems.” He urged legislators to pursue broader consultation with stakeholders to develop reforms grounded in consensus.
The NH Nonghyup branch has formally requested three key actions: suspension of National Assembly deliberations on the bill, cessation of government-led oversight initiatives via the proposed audit committee, and creation of transparent management structures incorporating worker and farmer participation. As of the fifth day of the rooftop encampment, no official response has been issued by legislative leaders or government ministries regarding the union’s demands.
The Agricultural Cooperatives Act, first enacted in 1961 and amended multiple times since, governs the structure and operations of South Korea’s extensive network of agricultural cooperatives, which play a significant role in rural finance, supply chain management, and community development. Proponents of the current reform argue enhanced oversight is necessary to prevent financial mismanagement and improve accountability within the system, particularly following past audits that identified governance weaknesses in certain regional units.
Legal analysts note that debates over cooperative governance reform in South Korea often reflect tensions between preserving traditional mutual aid principles and adapting to modern financial regulatory standards. Similar discussions have occurred in other jurisdictions where cooperative models face pressure to increase transparency while maintaining member-driven governance structures. The outcome of this legislative process could influence future reforms across the sector.
For ongoing updates on the legislative status of the Agricultural Cooperatives Act amendments, observers may consult the official website of the National Assembly of South Korea, where bill texts, committee schedules, and voting records are publicly accessible. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also maintains a public portal detailing policy initiatives affecting the agricultural sector.
As the protest enters its sixth day, participants indicate they will maintain their presence on the NH Nonghyup Tower roof until their concerns are formally addressed through dialogue or legislative action. The situation remains under observation by labor monitors and financial regulators.
We invite readers to share perspectives on cooperative governance reform in the comments below and to share this article with others interested in developments affecting South Korea’s agricultural and financial sectors.