Train Operator Driving Subway While Playing Games on Phone During Commute Finally Caught

Watching Game Videos on Phone Before Control Panel Operation
As Controversy Grows, Korail Takes Legal Action Against the Crew Member

During rush hour, a Seoul Subway Line 4 train operator was caught watching game videos on his mobile phone while operating the train. On the 30th, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) filed charges against the operator for violating the Railroad Safety Act. Recently, a photo of the train operator's cabin was posted on KORAIL's internal bulletin board on the online community 'Blind' for office workers. In the photo, the operator is seen holding a mobile phone in one hand and watching game videos in front of the control panel.

During the evening rush hour, a train operator on Seoul Subway Line 4 was caught watching game videos on a mobile phone while operating the train. On the 30th, Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) filed charges against the operator for violating the Railroad Safety Act.
[Photo source=Anonymous worker community 'Blind']

Checking the time on the control panel shows it was just after 6 p.m., a dangerous situation as the train was crowded with people heading home from work, posing a risk of an accident. KORAIL employees commented on the post with disbelief, saying things like, "Wow, how many people were on that train during rush hour?" Netizens who saw this reacted with comments such as, "Are they not even going to open the doors?", "Is this really acceptable?", "This could lead to a major accident," and "Not all operators might do this, but it’s unsettling." As the controversy spread, KORAIL quickly launched an investigation.

According to KORAIL’s investigation, operator Mr. A was operating a train bound for Oido on Seoul Subway Line 4 around 6:08 p.m. on the 29th of last month. Near Dongjak Station on Line 4, he was watching game videos on his mobile phone, which is when the photo was taken. KORAIL stated, "We confirmed with Mr. A that he was watching game videos," and added, "Depending on the results of the police investigation, strict disciplinary action will be taken, and special training and on-site inspections will be conducted for all crew members."

Meanwhile, under the current Railroad Safety Act and KORAIL regulations, train operators and other crew members are prohibited from using electronic devices (mobile phones) while operating trains. In fact, past accidents such as the July 2014 train collision in Taebaek, Gangwon, and the November 2022 freight train accident near Obong Station in Uiwang, Gyeonggi, were found to have been caused by operator negligence, including mobile phone use. KORAIL is reportedly considering installing CCTV in train operator cabins and developing an automated system to verify whether crew members have powered off their electronic devices (mobile phones).