Korean Man Sparks National Outrage After Tying And Suspending Migrant Worker From A Forklift As Punishment
A Korean man has invited the wrath of the entire nation after he was caught tying up a migrant worker to a forklift at a bick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province.
The 31-year-old migrant worker for Sri Lanka, identified only as “A,” was tied to cargo and suspended from a forklift operated by “B” for about five minutes. The incident was documented on video, which was made public after “A” sought help from a labor rights organization.
“A” had initially hesitated to report the abuse out of fear that he wouldn’t be able to find another job. He had been employed at the factory since arriving in Korea last December under the E-9 visa program. However, he eventually gathered the courage to seek justice and is currently being helped by the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network and the Jeonnam Labor Rights Center.
On Monday, July 28, the advocacy group revealed that “B” had told investigators that he tied up “A” to the forklift after he “smirked” while responding to him. “I told him to teach his colleague well, but he smirked, so I did that,” he admitted. The victim, however, claimed that he had neither laughed nor understood what the supervisor was saying at that time.
I didn’t know what I did wrong. I was very scared (when I was tied to the forklift).
— The migrant worker, The Korea Herald
When the incident became public, it caused a huge nationwide uproar, prompting even President Lee Jae Myung to address it. He condemned the perpetrators and called for a thorough investigation into the matter. Local police then booked the Korean suspect without detention on potential charges, including special confinement and special assault.
On July 30, KST, the labor rights organization working with “A” announced that “A” had met with the perpetrator’s legal representatives in Naju, South Jeolla Province, the previous day and reached a settlement, including financial compensation. The details of the agreement have been kept under wraps.
The organization said that “A” found it too burdensome to face the police and labor authorities and was reluctant to meet “B” again. Hence, he had decided not to seek any legal punishment for the driver. However, the advocacy group made it clear that this decision didn’t equate forgiveness.
The victimized migrant worker does not want to suffer further because of this incident. He does not plan to submit a petition or a statement of non-punishment to the investigative authorities.
— Sohn Sung Yong, head of Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network
According to reports, “A” is currently staying at a religious facility with support from civic groups. Recently, an official from the South Jeolla Province Government told the media that a company with good working conditions had expressed interest in hiring “A” and that the recruitment would be finalized after the government representatives visited the place.
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