"Seoul National University Defamation", "Feeling Insulted" Harsh Views Toward Workers' Deaths

"Gapjil Frame," "Witch Hunt" Claims by Some Seoul National University Professors
"Who Is Pretending to Be the Victim?" Citizens' Criticism Boils Over
Experts Say "Behavior Defies Common Sense Beyond Legal and Wage Issues"

Seoul National University emblem. Citizens are pouring criticism over some professors' rebuttal claiming "there was no abuse of power" related to the death of a Seoul National University cleaning worker.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] A rebuttal post by some Seoul National University (SNU) professors claiming "there was no gapjil" regarding the death of an SNU cleaning worker has sparked public outrage. Rather than sincerely investigating the truth or offering heartfelt apologies related to the worker's death, the response appears to be hurried explanations such as "an unfortunate incident of framing gapjil through a witch hunt" and "damaging the honor of Seoul National University."

Experts pointed out that conducting written exams unrelated to cleaning duties itself constitutes unreasonable gapjil.

Cleaning worker Lee (59) was found dead last month on the 26th in the break room for cleaning staff at an SNU dormitory. It is presumed that Lee died while resting during the day, and it was reported that he had no underlying health conditions. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions’ National Democratic General Labor Union (the union) and the bereaved family claimed that Lee had suffered from excessive work and workplace gapjil.

According to them, Lee had to carry six to seven large 100L garbage bags daily in a dormitory without elevators and was burdened with cleaning a four-story building alone. Additionally, the team leader managing the cleaning workers made Lee take a written exam requiring him to write "Gwanak Student Dormitory" in English or Chinese characters and imposed unnecessary directives such as demanding a "dress code" during meetings.

In response to the fierce criticism, some SNU professors posted rebuttals to clarify the situation.

Professor Koo Minkyo of the Graduate School of Public Administration wrote on Facebook on the 9th, "It is disgusting to see people pretending to be victims over this tragic death," adding, "The deceased ranked first in the written work exam and expressed gratitude regarding the dress code measures. One cannot turn another non-regular contract worker, the 'middle manager' (team leader), into a perpetrator based solely on unilateral claims to receive industrial accident recognition."

Professor Koo explained the reason for the exam, saying, "Because there are many international students, on-site workers often have to interact with foreigners." He added, "The exam was conducted twice, but it was discontinued because some found it difficult. Although people say that when something is in your eyes, you see the world only as you want, seeing how things have unfolded makes me feel ashamed. As a member of SNU, I feel insulted that we have to watch the media, politicians, and unions’ reactions."

On the 7th, at the "Press Conference Condemning President Oh Se-jung of Seoul National University Regarding the Death of a Cleaning Worker Union Member," a member of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions is holding up the exam paper of the cleaning worker. / Photo by Yonhap News

Also, Professor Nam Seonghyun of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who is the Deputy Director of Planning and Facilities at SNU, stated on the Gwanak Dormitory homepage on the 10th, "The union is exploiting this tragic incident to make unilateral claims without verified facts, such as poor working conditions or workplace gapjil," and added, "This damages the honor of the entire Seoul National University."

He continued, "There is great concern as a disgraceful act of framing the manager with gapjil through a witch hunt is underway. Although this is a tragic and sad accident, it is not right to forcibly turn a manager who is diligently performing their duties into a perpetrator just to receive industrial accident recognition."

While these professors seem to have issued explanations to quell criticism, their responses only fueled public anger. Instead of offering sincere apologies or preventive measures related to the worker’s death, they appear to be focused solely on blocking criticism directed at themselves.

Among netizens, criticism poured out with comments such as, "I don’t know who is pretending to be the victim now," and "The words proudly claiming no fault despite a worker dying on the job are from professors of Korea’s top university."

There were also remarks expressing disbelief at SNU’s explanations. Kim, a worker in his 20s, said, "Why should cleaning workers learn foreign languages or Chinese characters for international students in the first place? Foreigners who come to Korea as international or exchange students should at least know basic Hangul. It’s a ridiculous excuse."

As the controversy spread, Professor Koo deleted the problematic post and clarified, "The part about 'victim cosplay being disgusting' was directed at politicians. It was certainly not about the bereaved family or other cleaning workers." It was also reported that Professor Koo expressed his intention to step down from his position as Dean of Student Affairs on the 12th. However, he emphasized, "My conviction that we must prevent becoming victims of a witch hunt before the facts are confirmed remains unchanged."

A memorial message posted in front of the women's dormitory building 925 where the deceased Seoul National University cleaning worker used to work.
Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding the professors’ stance, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions criticized it as "a thoughtless remark that killed the deceased twice." In a statement on the 11th, the union said, "These remarks show a lack of empathy for the pain of the community and the vulnerable," adding, "Professor Koo’s claims are believed to reflect the views of so-called powerful figures and factions within Seoul National University, not just an individual. It is not one of many acceptable opinions but an unacceptable secondary harm and clear violence."

Experts pointed out that conducting written exams unrelated to cleaning duties itself constitutes unreasonable gapjil.

Labor attorney Kim Hyoshin (Sonamu Labor Law Office) said, "This death at a workplace that should be safe finally allows those in cleaning jobs to voice the injustices they have silently endured," adding, "Seeing the so-called intellectuals at Seoul National University claim this is a 'framing' only fuels public anger."

She continued, "Evaluations of cleaning workers should be based on cleanliness and related duties, not on exams, which only serve to intimidate. Creating the unreasonable requirement to change clothes to attend meetings is also wrong," and criticized, "This issue is a serious problem where basic manners and common sense were not observed, beyond discussions about laws or raising workers’ wages."

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