Seoul: Unionized workers of the national railway operator launched an indefinite general strike Thursday as wage negotiations fell through. The walkout by workers of the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL), the first since September 2023, will affect the operations of subway services in the capital area, high-speed KTX trains, and regular train services across the country. According to Yonhap News Agency, KORAIL has been in an emergency transport mode by mobilizing all available personnel and resources to minimize traffic disruptions. In response to the strike, the government also plans to operate a 24-hour joint transportation task force with related agencies and local governments until the railway strike ends, it added. KORAIL and the union failed to find a breakthrough during last-minute talks held a day earlier. However, the union has expressed its readiness to resume talks if the management changes its course.