Father of Three in Critical Condition After Self-Immolation Over Unpaid Construction Fees: "I Will Reveal the Injustice"

Published 30 Jan.2021 19:00(KST)

A man in his 50s, who did not receive payment for construction work, attempted self-immolation and is in critical condition. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A man in his 50s who did not receive construction payments amounting to tens of millions of won attempted self-immolation and fell into a critical condition, prompting the police to launch an investigation.

According to Jeonju Deokjin Police Station and Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters on the 29th, at around 9:22 a.m. on the 28th, A (51) set himself on fire by pouring a flammable substance on his body inside a container office of a waste disposal company in Songcheon-dong, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk.

Just before the self-immolation, A called an acquaintance and said, "I am struggling so much because I have not received the overdue construction payments," adding, "I think the world will understand the injustice only if I do this. I have already written a will," implying an extreme choice.

Following the acquaintance’s report, police and 119 paramedics rushed to the scene and transported A to a nearby hospital, but he remains unconscious. A is in critical condition with severe burns and inhalation of toxic gases.

The acquaintance who reported the incident said, "Since 2019, A participated in the construction of a villa, but even after its completion, he has not received about 60 million won from the company," adding, "He has three children, and I cannot imagine how much pain he must have endured."

The police are investigating the exact circumstances based on statements from A’s family and acquaintances, while also examining the overall damage related to the villa construction. According to the police, it has been identified that there are other victims as well.