The controversy over the mobilization of subordinates as 'palanquin bearers' at a Korail executive's daughter's wedding

There is a controversy surrounding the mobilization of subordinates as palanquin bearers at the wedding of an executive's daughter at Korail.

According to an SBS report on the 25th, a traditional wedding ceremony for the child of a Korail branch manager, referred to as Mr. A, was held on the 19th at a park in Daejeon.

Four subordinate employees from Mr. A's department took on the role of palanquin bearers for the bride's floral palanquin. Mr. A claimed that it was "an act stemming from goodwill" and that "the employees voluntarily participated in the event."

However, criticism poured in from Korail employees on the anonymous workplace community "Blind." Comments like "Why mobilize employees?" and "Korean Palanquin Bearer Corporation" followed. Although a clarification stating "it was voluntary participation" was posted on the bulletin board, many employees expressed that the superior should have instead discouraged such actions.

Experts pointed out, "Actions based on hierarchy should have been avoided."

Labor attorney Jang Jong-su from Workplace Malpractice 119 questioned, "If Mr. A was not the branch manager, would anyone voluntarily do that?" He emphasized that it was behavior that could only arise within a hierarchy and that it should have been consciously avoided.

Lee Jong-seon, the chief vice president of the railway labor union, stated, "An unacceptable event occurred" and noted, "While it may not be labeled as abuse of power, it seems that such organizational culture still exists, and I hope the corporation properly addresses this matter."

This incident has once again sparked discussions about hierarchical culture and superior-subordinate relationships within public enterprises. There is a growing critical perspective on Korail’s organizational culture, especially as a public institution.

On the 25th, Korail held an emergency meeting chaired by the CEO and announced plans to implement ethical management training for key executives.

Additionally, they stated that they have commissioned an external labor firm to investigate the facts and would determine any disciplinary actions based on the results.

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