President Lee Jae-myung said on the 24th regarding the incident of 'migrant worker human rights violations' that occurred at a brick factory in Naju, Jeollanam-do, "It is a barbaric infringement of human rights against socially vulnerable individuals", and he vowed to take strict measures at the government level, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
On this day, President Lee stated on Facebook, "I can't believe this happened in a global cultural powerhouse and a model democracy," adding, "It is an unacceptable violence against minorities and a clear violation of human rights." He also mentioned, "The attitude towards those who are powerless and in a difficult situation reflects the dignity of society," and stated, "We will actively respond through the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, to prevent human rights abuses and labor exploitation that take advantage of unstable status."
According to a 58-second video secured by the Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network the previous day, an incident occurred at a brick factory in Naju, Jeollanam-do, where a 30-something Sri Lankan migrant worker was tied up and lifted with a forklift. The video was filmed earlier this month, and the perpetrator who committed the abuse has been identified as a forklift driver and other Korean colleagues. They pressured the migrant worker hanging from the forklift, saying, "Did you do something wrong?" and "You should admit your mistake." It is reported that the victim sought help from a labor organization after suffering this harassment multiple times.
President Lee remarked, "In the past, Korean workers also faced hardships while seeking jobs abroad, and it is thanks to their efforts that the current Korea exists," adding, "Just as citizens of Korea who travel far for their livelihoods should be respected, the basic human rights of migrant workers must also be protected."