National Assembly Selects Aviation and Construction CEOs as Audit Witnesses
To Question on Construction Accidents, Plane Disaster, and Battery Fires
"Additional Witnesses Possible Pending Further Committee Discussions"
The National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee will summon a large number of CEOs from major companies in the aviation, battery, railway, and construction sectors as witnesses for next month's parliamentary audit. The committee is expected to intensively question corporate responsibility and systemic loopholes regarding high-profile issues that have had significant social repercussions, such as the passenger plane disaster at Muan Airport at the end of last year, a series of battery fires, and safety accidents at construction sites.
At the scene of the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster at Muan International Airport during rain, the tail wing is covered with a waterproof tarp. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
On the 25th, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee selected Kim Ibae, CEO of Jeju Air, Choi Joosun, CEO of Samsung SDI, and Lee Yongbae, President of Hyundai Rotem, as witnesses for next month's parliamentary audit. CEO Kim was summoned in relation to the runway extension project that has been underway following the passenger plane disaster at Muan Airport in December last year. Since delays in runway expansion are directly linked to airline operational safety and airport infrastructure management, the committee is expected to scrutinize the project’s implementation process and safety measures.
CEO Choi will face intensive questioning regarding fires related to energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle batteries. The National Assembly is preparing questions about the responsibility of battery manufacturers for quality and safety management, as well as the government's certification and supervision systems in relation to these fire incidents.
President Lee was selected as a witness in connection with allegations of bid-rigging in railway vehicle procurement and unfair practices by large corporations. Since railway vehicles account for a high proportion of public procurement, the fairness of the bidding process and relationships with subcontractors are expected to become major issues. In particular, President Lee has also been requested as a witness by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee. CEO Kim and CEO Choi have been summoned for the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee’s audit on the 13th of next month, while President Lee is scheduled for the 21st.
CEOs from construction companies have also been widely designated as witnesses. Song Chiyoung, President of POSCO E&C, Joo Woojung, CEO of Hyundai Engineering, Heo Yunhong, President of GS Engineering & Construction, Lee Haewook, Chairman of DL Group, and Kim Bohyun, CEO of Daewoo Engineering & Construction, are all expected to be questioned regarding overall safety issues at construction sites. Among these, POSCO E&C experienced an incident on August 4, in which a Myanmar worker in his 30s was critically injured by electric shock at the Gwangmyeong-Seoul Expressway construction site. In addition, at apartment, railway, and road construction sites managed by the company, four workers have died so far this year.
A representative of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee stated, "In addition to the list that has been finalized, additional witnesses may be selected through further discussions between the committee secretaries."
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