Female Worker in Her 50s Dies at Siheung Factory
Third Fatal Accident in Three Years
Another fatal accident has occurred at a factory operated by an SPC Group affiliate, leading to renewed signs of a boycott movement. As public outrage over repeated industrial accidents grows, franchise owners who sell SPC products are once again expressing deep concern over potential declines in sales.
The accident took place on May 19 at the SPC Samlip Siwha factory located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province. It has been reported that a female worker in her 50s lost her life at the site.
This is the third fatal accident to occur at an SPC affiliate. Similar incidents happened previously in October 2022 and August 2023. Police are currently investigating whether the company was negligent in connection with this latest accident.
After news of the incident spread, posts calling for a boycott began appearing on SNS and online communities around May 20. Some users have gone so far as to say, "I will not buy blood-stained bread," and, "Even those who purchase SPC products should be criticized." Some netizens are sharing lists of SPC affiliate brands to encourage consumer action.
The boycott movement is intensifying, especially since this latest accident reportedly occurred at the factory producing the recently popular "KBO bread." One user stated, "Knowing that KBO bread is made at the factory where the accident happened, I will boycott even more strongly from now on."
This public sentiment is having a direct impact on stores. A Paris Baguette franchise owner in Seoul said, "There were almost no customers today," and added, "The situation may be even worse than during previous accidents." The owner commented, "The accident happened at the factory, but franchisees are suffering simply because they are part of the same group."
The convenience store industry, which also receives SPC products, is concerned about a decline in store sales. A representative from the convenience store sector stated, "The previous boycott had a significant impact as well."
Civil society and labor groups have also reacted strongly. The Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice issued a statement sharply criticizing SPC, saying, "SPC is effectively neglecting these accidents." The Chemical Fiber and Food Industry Labor Union urged, "The government should thoroughly investigate and punish not only the SPC Samlip management but also Chairman Hur Youngin for possible violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act."
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