Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor, Apologizes for the Cheongdo Mugunghwa Train Accident, Saying "We Were Too Lacking"

Minister Kim Young-hoon of the Ministry of Employment and Labor bowed his head regarding the Mugunghwa train accident that occurred in Cheongdo, Gyeongbuk.

He expressed, "We have been working hard to create a safe workplace, but we were unable to prevent this incident," and apologized, stating, "I was too lacking."

On the 20th, attending a full meeting of the Environment and Labor Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Minister Kim emphasized, "We will strengthen the prevention of industrial accidents and will investigate seriously without regard to position or status."

Overview of the Incident and Government's Initial Response

Earlier, on the 19th at approximately 10:52 AM, seven workers moving to a safety inspection site were struck by a Mugunghwa train near Samsin-ri in Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongbuk. In this accident, two workers from a subcontractor lost their lives, and five were injured.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor immediately issued a work stoppage order and formed a dedicated investigation team of 15 members to commence the inquiry. A Central Industrial Disaster Response Headquarters was established, and an industrial accident prevention policy officer was dispatched to the site to support the recovery efforts. A special labor inspection is also planned.

Heavy Criticism in the National Assembly… "KORAIL and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Should Also Be Investigated"

During the National Assembly Environment and Labor Committee meeting, lawmakers from both parties voiced their criticism.

Lawyer Yoon Sang-hyun from the People Power Party pointed out, "Just as there was a forced investigation into POSCO E&C, shouldn't the same standards be applied to KORAIL?" Minister Kim responded, stating, "We will investigate strictly regardless of position or status."

Member of the same party, Jo Ji-yeon, noted, "If the criteria applied to private companies are considered, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, which oversees KORAIL, could also be a target for investigation," highlighting that "69 people have died in organizations under the Ministry in the last four years."

Minister Kim stated, "The Serious Accident Punishment Act holds management responsible and applies differently to supervisory bodies like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. However, I will keep in mind the priority of prevention. As the Minister of Employment and Labor, I will exert as much authority as possible to carry out a thorough investigation of KORAIL."

Image source: Kim Young-hoon, Minister of Employment and Labor / News1, News1