President Lee Jae-myung noted on the 29th that repeated fatal industrial accidents involving workers at corporations such as POSCO Engineering and Construction raised serious concerns, stating, "To put it bluntly, it's akin to murder through negligence in legal terms," and added, "I feel devastated thinking that the result is corporations thinking, 'Well, if workers die, there's nothing we can do.'"
On this day, President Lee criticized POSCO E&C, which saw four fatal accidents on construction sites this year, and SPC Group, which has had consecutive fatal accidents in production sites, during a Cabinet meeting, saying, "I wonder if there's a lack of sensitivity to the fact that people are dying while working for some enterprises, treating human lives not as lives but as work tools."
In particular, he stated, "It is entirely predictable that the same accidents would occur in the same place and in the same way. The fact that accidents continue to happen is ultimately tolerating death," adding, "To say it very harshly, it's murder through negligence in legal terms, isn't it?" He also remarked on SPC's decision to abolish 8-hour night overtime work, saying, "It's late, but fortunate," and expressed hope that "since you mentioned it, I hope you will definitely keep it."
He continued, "SPC previously promised to spend 100 billion won to prevent the same accident, but I asked if they really did it," and urged, "This time, I sincerely hope you will keep it quickly." President Lee instructed Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon, saying, "Think of it as a task force dedicated to saving lives and ensure thorough enforcement," to which Minister Kim replied, "I will stake my job on it." In response, President Lee said, "Truly stake your job on it."