Prosecutors Demand 20 Million Won Fine for Hyundai Heavy Industries President over 'Insufficient On-Site Safety Measures'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The prosecution has requested a fine of 20 million won for the president of Hyundai Heavy Industries, who was indicted for inadequate safety measures at the fishing operation site.

On the 27th, at the Ulsan District Court Criminal Division 3 presided over by Chief Judge Kim Yong-hee, the prosecution asked the court to sentence Han Young-seok, president of Hyundai Heavy Industries, accordingly.

At the trial, President Han said, "I have nothing to say as I ultimately failed to prevent a serious accident," and added, "I will do my best to improve the system for industrial accident prevention."

Earlier, President Han was indicted on charges of violating the Industrial Safety and Health Act. The Ministry of Employment and Labor conducted regular and special safety inspections from September 2019 to July 2020, identifying 635 cases of inadequate safety measures across Hyundai Heavy Industries' various divisions, which led to the trial.

Additionally, the prosecution indicted 17 current and former executives of Hyundai Heavy Industries and subcontractor representatives on charges including professional negligence resulting in death, related to five industrial accident fatalities that occurred at Hyundai Heavy Industries between September 2019 and May 2020.

Before the trial, the Ulsan branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions held a press conference in front of the Ulsan District Court demanding strict punishment.