Lee Jae-myung on Seoul National University Cleaning Worker Death: "A Burning Sensation Rises in My Throat"

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, deeply mourned the death of cleaning worker Mr. A at Seoul National University on the 26th of last month, saying, "No one is born to suffer in this world." He expressed strong indignation, saying that reading articles related to Mr. A's death made him feel a human sense of humiliation rising up his throat.

On the 8th, through a post titled "No One Is Born to Suffer" on Facebook, Governor Lee said, "I wish the contents of the article (regarding the death of cleaning worker Mr. A at Seoul National University) were not true," and expressed anger, saying, "Seeing the photo of Mr. A's answer sheet, written crookedly while taking an exam unrelated to his duties, makes something hot rise up my throat."

He continued, "I think many citizens, upon reading this article, would not feel it is someone else's problem," and added, "We all live enduring various injustices and humiliations, thinking of our families at home and worrying about immediate livelihoods, 'nevertheless.'"

In particular, he diagnosed, "(This incident) is not just the problem of one malicious manager," but "a deeply rooted dual structure of labor, a workplace where people can treat others carelessly, and a structural problem of society that allows this."

He added, "Even 40 years ago, when I worked in a factory, I might have been hit a few times, but I was never made to feel such humiliation," calling it "the sorrowful scenery of a society with continued low growth and scarce opportunities."

Furthermore, Governor Lee said, "It is election season, and I am reflecting on the reason for politics' existence," and stated, "Not everyone can become rich and enjoy glory, but none of us were born into this world just to endure. I will definitely achieve a world where no one suffers, a great society where the strong protect the weak. I pray for the deceased's soul. I hope the truth is uncovered and clear measures are taken."

Earlier, the National Democratic General Labor Union held a press conference on the 7th in front of the Seoul National University Administration Building condemning the death of the cleaning worker on the 26th of last month. They claimed that Seoul National University neglected the poor working conditions of cleaning workers and subjected them to power harassment, such as making them take exams unrelated to their duties.

Test answer sheet submitted by Mr. A

Cleaning worker Mr. A at Seoul National University was found dead in the dormitory cleaning workers' break room on the 26th of last month. The police stated that it does not appear that Mr. A took extreme measures or was murdered. The labor union claimed that Mr. A suffered severe stress due to military-style work orders and intense labor demands.

According to the labor union, the deceased was known to start his day by carrying 6 to 7 large 100ℓ garbage bags, food waste, and recyclable waste daily in a dormitory without an elevator housing 196 undergraduate students at Seoul National University. He endured such intense labor that his hands would go numb while handling heavy waste. It is also reported that Mr. A struggled even more after a new safety management team leader was appointed.