[National Assembly Hot Figure] Kim Sohee Proposes Industrial Accident Prevention Measures in SPC Work Uniform

Highlighting SPC Work Uniform Entanglement Hazards
Secures Commitment to Replace Materials

"CEO, does this outfit look familiar to you?"

On October 15, Kim Sohee, a member of the People Power Party, posed this question to CEO Do Seho during the National Assembly’s Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee audit, while wearing the SPC work uniform that had been involved in a series of fatal machine entrapment accidents. She wore the current uniform to point out that its material does not tear easily in the event of an entrapment accident. Kim noted, "There are uniforms that can be torn off with force, even though they may cost more," and she also held up another uniform she had received from a site worker to illustrate her point.

Kim Sohee, a member of the People Power Party, is questioning Do Seho, CEO of SPC, at the National Assembly's Climate, Energy, Environment, and Labor Committee hearing on the 15th. Photo by Kim Sohee

Unlike the usual National Assembly audits, which are often filled with criticism and scolding, Kim stood out by pinpointing the problem and offering concrete alternatives. While other lawmakers called for vague solutions such as raising management’s safety awareness or considering workers’ rights, Kim’s proposals were notably specific. Based on her suggestions, she secured a commitment from CEO Do to replace the work uniforms. In a phone interview with Asia Economy, Kim stated, "We will monitor whether improvements are made going forward," adding, "If replacement proves difficult due to cost or other issues, I plan to request support from the Ministry of Employment and Labor."

Kim continued her questioning based on facts she had gathered through direct visits to the sites. She addressed not only the number of on-site safety inspection personnel but also issues of hierarchy among workers. During the audit, Kim pointed out, "On-site workers are often older, but most safety managers are entry-level or assistant managers," emphasizing, "It is necessary to ensure that managers have the rank or experience needed to enforce safety directives."

Kim also criticized the government’s inadequate investigation into the workplace harassment suffered by the late Kim Chunghyun, a non-regular worker at the Taean Power Plant, basing her remarks on her own on-the-ground research. After receiving the first report in June, Kim visited not only the Taean workplace but also Kim’s hometown, collecting testimony from acquaintances and social media evidence. She remarked, "These are things that would be obvious to anyone who visited the site, yet the Ministry of Employment and Labor only responded that no evidence of ostracism was found," and secured a promise from Minister Kim Younghoon for a reinvestigation.