Tied to Forklift and Mocked: "Say You Did Wrong"... Local Lawmaker Apologizes to 570,000 Foreign Workers

"This Should Never Have Happened... A National Disgrace"
"Government Must Investigate and Punish Those Responsible"

As public outrage grows over a video showing a Sri Lankan migrant worker being mocked by being tied to a forklift like a brick at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, Shin Jung-hoon, a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Naju and Hwasun in South Jeolla and Chairman of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, has issued an official apology.

A video showing a migrant worker in Naju, Jeonnam being tied up with brick products and lifted by a forklift has been released, causing controversy. Provided by Jeonnam Migrant Workers Human Rights Network.

On July 25, Shin stated on Facebook, "I sincerely apologize to the victim and to all 570,000 foreign workers for this shameful and appalling incident that occurred in my constituency." He added, "Such an incident should never have happened to a migrant worker who endures separation from family and works diligently in a foreign land," bowing his head in apology.

Shin further stated, "It is a national disgrace that such a barbaric incident has occurred at a time when the human rights of migrant workers are gradually improving." He emphasized, "The employer and coworkers must personally apologize and offer comfort to the victim." He also said, "A country that fails to protect the human rights of foreign workers cannot be considered an advanced nation," and stressed, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Justice must thoroughly investigate the facts in accordance with relevant laws and hold those responsible for illegal acts strictly accountable."

Shin also added, "As the President has said, the way we treat those who are powerless and in difficult circumstances reflects the dignity of our society," and expressed hope that "this incident will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the working conditions and human rights of foreign workers."

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "This is something that could never happen in a global cultural powerhouse or a democratic nation," and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident and strict punishment for those responsible.

The incident occurred earlier this month at a brick manufacturing plant in Naju. In a 58-second video obtained by the Gwangju-Jeonnam Migrant Workers Network, a 31-year-old Sri Lankan national, referred to as A, is seen bound to bricks with white plastic and dragged while hanging from a forklift. Coworkers are seen laughing or filming with their mobile phones, while a man, believed to be Korean, taunts him by saying, "Did you do something wrong?" and "You should admit your wrongdoing." No one intervened to stop the incident.

The victim, A, personally attended a press conference held in front of Naju City Hall the previous day and stated, "At the time, a supervisor was showing another migrant worker how to wrap bricks in plastic, and I was punished like this just for laughing at the scene." He continued, "I felt humiliated and terrified, and I want to quit my job," he appealed.