Korea’s police chief on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to Han Sang-kyun, the leader of the nation’s second-largest umbrella union currently seeking refuge at a Buddhist temple, to appear before officials by 4 p.m. Wednesday, warning of a forced entry and arrest if he refuses.

Korean National Police Agency chief Kang Sin-myeong said that the police would “no longer tolerate Han’s evasion,” saying that the leader of the Korea Confederation of Trade Unions “had led numerous illegal and violent protests.” 

“We conducted a comprehensive analysis of Han and Jogye Temple’s actions, along with his Facebook postings, and came to the conclusion that there is very little possibility of him voluntarily leaving the temple,” Kang said in an emergency press conference. “Although neither the Jogye Temple nor the Jogye Order has confirmed their cooperation, the police are no longer in a position to consider their positions.”

Kang also warned the members of KCTU who might assemble outside the temple and hinder the arrest, pledging firm action against anyone who resists the execution of the arrest warrant or helps the suspect evade the law.

Han said Monday that he would respond to the summons if the government scraps the bitterly disputed labor reform plans. 

Earlier in the day, the Seoul police chief asked the temple to evict Han. The hospitality of temple officials also appeared to wear thin as Ven. Dobeop ― who has been in charge of mediation ― urged Han to swiftly make a decision about his future plans in a press conference Tuesday.

The embattled activist remained defiant, criticizing the temple for isolating him, and saying that “Buddha wouldn’t have forsaken the 20 million workers.”

On Nov. 11, a Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for Han for his repeated failure to attend trials related to what police claimed were illegal protests in May. He took refuge in the temple on Nov. 16, two days after the KCTU led the biggest antigovernment rally this year.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)