Presidential Office on SPC Industrial Accident: "Respecting People Is Key to Protecting Liberal Democracy"

Concerns Over Undermining the Serious Accident Punishment Act: "Necessary Measures to Protect Worker Safety Must Be Supplemented"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office stated on the 20th regarding the SPC industrial accident death, "What is important in protecting the liberal democratic system is a firm belief in our system and an attitude of respecting and caring for people."

A Presidential Office official said to reporters in the afternoon, "President Yoon expressed regret over the SPC industrial accident because, while profit pursuit must be maximally guaranteed in a liberal democratic system, the premise is a minimum consideration for human beings."

He added, "Along with various fact-finding efforts, the relevant ministries have been instructed to review necessary institutional issues, and I understand that sufficient review will be conducted."

The official also addressed concerns about the weakening of the Serious Accident Punishment Act raised by some, stating, "Necessary measures to protect worker safety must be supplemented."

President Yoon Seok-yeol, while arriving at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the morning, said regarding the death accident at the Pyeongtaek SPC-affiliated bakery factory and the subsequent situation, "I have ordered an investigation into the circumstances today."

On his way to the Yongsan Presidential Office in the morning, President Yoon told reporters, "It is truly a very regrettable incident."

He mentioned, "I saw reports that citizens were very angry because machines involved in the accident were operated with cloth wrapped around them and an accurate investigation into the cause had not yet been completed."

He continued, "The Ministry of Employment and Labor immediately went to the site after the accident and stopped machines without safety devices from operating. They confirmed that machines with safety devices were operating and then stopped those as well, but it seems citizens became aware that some machines were operated in the meantime."

President Yoon criticized, "No matter how good laws, systems, or profits are, since we live in the same society, business owners and workers must show at least minimal human consideration for each other, and our society should function on that basis."

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