"Mountain climbers playing victim... Disgusting" Seoul National University Dean of Student Affairs posted then deleted the article

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Amid claims that a cleaning worker who recently died in a break room on the Seoul National University (SNU) campus was subjected to 'workplace bullying,' the Dean of Student Affairs posted a message on social media (SNS) refuting the union's claims, which was later deleted, sparking controversy.

According to Yonhap News Agency's report on the 10th, Dean of Student Affairs A wrote on their SNS the previous day, "I once again offer my condolences to Mr. Lee, who passed away while working at the SNU dormitory on June 26," adding, "He was only 59 years old, a young age, which is very unfortunate. Among his three children, the youngest is still a high school student, making it even more heartbreaking."

They continued, "I feel a burning sensation in my throat and must say something," criticizing, "It is disgusting to see people pretending to be victims one after another over the tragic death of one person."

Furthermore, A stated, "The stories about a 'malicious specific manager' that are being recklessly circulated and consumed in the media are all untrue," adding, "They say when you have something in your eyes, you see the world only as you want to, but seeing how things are unfolding makes me feel a sense of self-disgust."

The post has since been deleted.

Earlier, cleaning worker Mr. Lee (59) was found dead in the break room for cleaning staff at the SNU dormitory on the 26th of last month. It is presumed that he died while resting during the day, and he was known to have no underlying health conditions.

In this regard, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) National Democratic General Labor Union held a press conference in front of the SNU administration building on the 7th, claiming that the deceased cleaning worker had been subjected to 'workplace bullying.'

At the press conference, the union stated, "The deceased suffered extreme stress due to unfair bullying and military-style work orders from SNU officials, including the dormitory safety management team leader," appealing, "The death of the deceased is not a personal death but a social death caused by workplace bullying."

They further criticized, "The real culprit behind this industrial accident death is SNU, which belittles cleaning workers, engages in bullying, conducts superficial investigations and faulty countermeasures, and remains irresponsible regarding the deaths of cleaning workers." They also urged, "A thorough investigation into the death of the union member and the establishment of preventive measures for cleaning workers afterward must be ensured."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.