Lee Nak-yeon, "Repeated POSCO Industrial Accidents, Anger at Irresponsible Attitude... Proper Stewardship Code Needed"

by Oh Jooyean

Published 15 Feb.2021 10:58(KST)

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, expressed, "I cannot contain my anger over POSCO's repeated industrial accidents and its continued irresponsible attitude without taking safety measures," and requested the National Pension Service, the largest shareholder of POSCO, to properly implement the stewardship code.

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the 15th, Lee said at the party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly in the morning, "In the past five years, 42 workers have lost their lives due to industrial accidents at three sites: POSCO Construction, POSCO Pohang Steelworks, and Gwangyang Steelworks."

Lee pointed out, "The Gwangyang Steelworks has been releasing air pollutants without permission, and carcinogens such as cadmium and zinc have been detected in nearby villages at levels exceeding the standard," adding, "POSCO was even selected as the worst company last year by civic groups and labor organizations."

He continued, "As a result of special labor inspections, hundreds of violations of the Industrial Safety and Health Act were detected," and criticized, "Over the past three years, the risk assessment reports submitted by POSCO were found to be copied with even the typos exactly the same."

Lee emphasized, "I strongly urge the top management to take responsibility and implement measures for industrial safety and environmental protection."

Regarding the largest shareholder, the National Pension Service, he said, "I demand that the stewardship code be properly implemented so that POSCO becomes a company that fulfills its social responsibilities."