JAKARTA - South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday denounced alleged mistreatment of migrant workers at a brick factory, calling it a "real human rights violation", promising stronger protection for vulnerable groups.
The statement came a day after migrant rights activists urged authorities to punish those involved in the incident, which was recorded on video footage circulating online this week.
"I barely trust my eyes after watching the video. I can't imagine that such incidents could happen in a country known as a global cultural center and a democratic model," President Lee wrote on Facebook.
President Lee further described the move as "an unacceptable act of violence against minorities and vulnerable groups."
"We will ensure that no one suffers from human rights violations or labor exploitation because of their unstable status," President Lee said, calling on relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Manpower and Manpower, to take swift action.
Earlier, the Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Worker Human Rights Network on Wednesday released a video recording showing a man in his 30s from Sri Lanka tied to a brick wrapped in plastic and lifted with a forklift at a factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province.
In the footage, the forklift operator, a Korean man, lifted and removed the tied-up worker. Several other workers were seen nearby. A man can be heard scolding the migrant worker, saying, "You should apologize."
It is not clear when the video was recorded or under what circumstances. The Sri Lankan worker was reported to have suffered psychological trauma due to the incident.
"This is a horrific act that robs the most basic human dignity of such workers. It reflects the inhumane reality in which foreign workers are treated not as humans but only as a tool," the civilian group said in a statement.
Separately, the Ministry of Manpower has started inspections of the plant.
Officials said the investigation would focus on whether the Sri Lankan worker was a victim of abuse at work, as well as conducting a comprehensive review of compliance with the facility with labor laws, including potential wage delays.
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"If a violation of the law is found, we will take firm action. We will also strengthen preemptive monitoring of workplaces that employ foreign workers to better protect their labor rights," said Employment Minister Kim Young-hoon in a statement.
It is known that tens of thousands of workers from 16 countries, including Southeast Asia, come to Korea each year under a government program that allows foreign nationals to work in low-paid jobs, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Often faced with harsh working conditions and bad treatment, these workers have long demanded improving the work environment and eliminating discrimination.
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