Jeonnam Assembly Member Joo Jongsup: "140% Surge in Industrial Accident Fatalities... Urgent Need for Comprehensive Review"

12 Industrial Accident Fatalities in Jeonnam in the First Quarter
Highest Increase Rate Nationwide

In the first quarter of this year, the number of industrial accident fatalities in Jeonnam increased by 140% compared to the same period last year. Joo Jongsup, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member (Democratic Party of Korea, Yeosu 6), expressed deep concern and urged the provincial government to establish thorough countermeasures.

According to the provisional tally of the "Status of Fatal Accidents Subject to Accident Investigation in the First Quarter of 2025" released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor on May 23, there were a total of 12 industrial accident fatalities in Jeonnam, an increase of 7 from the same period last year (5 fatalities). The increase rate of 140% is the highest among the 17 metropolitan and provincial governments nationwide.

Joo Jongsup, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member.

Joo stated, "As a provincial assembly member, I feel deep sorrow and anger over the fact that the number of industrial accident fatalities in Jeonnam has more than doubled compared to last year," and added, "I will thoroughly inspect the implementation status of industrial accident prevention plans at the provincial level, including safety education and consulting." As social awareness of repeated serious accidents?such as the recent industrial fatality at an SPC-affiliated bakery plant?increases, there are concerns that Jeonnam is no exception.

Joo also emphasized, "Serious accidents continue to occur throughout the province, such as the fatal fall of a worker at HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries in Yeongam, the fatal entrapment of a worker at G Geumgang Co., Ltd. in Jangseong, and the fatal fall of a migrant worker in Boseong. Jeonnam Province must conduct a comprehensive review of its current occupational safety and health system and establish effective countermeasures."

He further added, "For the country promised by presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung?where labor is respected and everyone can return home safely?to become a reality, local governments must show strong determination and take the lead."