Commemorating Victims of Industrial Accidents: Jeju Hosts Photo Exhibition

On April 28th, recognized globally as the Day of Mourning for Workers Killed in Industrial Accidents, the Jeju branch of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) opened a poignant photo exhibition. Titled 'The World We Changed,' the exhibition, held at the Jeju Provincial Government Annex Building, serves as a solemn tribute to those who have lost their lives due to unsafe working conditions. This day, now officially designated as 'Industrial Accident Workers' Day' in South Korea since last year, underscores the persistent and tragic reality of workplace fatalities.

The exhibition showcases 37 powerful images, drawn from the KCTU's archives, media reports, and fire safety agencies, illustrating the devastating impact of serious industrial accidents across the nation. Among the featured photographs are those from the recent Daejeon fire explosion that claimed 14 lives and the tragic incident at Taekwang Industrial's Ulsan plant where a worker died from chloroform poisoning. These images serve as a stark reminder that despite legislative efforts like the Serious Accidents Punishment Act, the dangers in the workplace remain alarmingly present.

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Although the Serious Accidents Punishment Act has been implemented, risks are still being outsourced on-site, safety is treated as a cost, and those responsible are not punished.

Locally, the exhibition also honors Jeju's own victims, including the case of Lee Min-ho, who died during a field training program in 2017, and Oh Seung-yong, who tragically passed away in a traffic accident while working a night shift for Coupang last year. These personal stories resonate deeply within the community, emphasizing that industrial accidents are not abstract statistics but devastating events that shatter families and lives.

KCTU Jeju branch head, Im Ki-hwan, articulated the exhibition's purpose beyond mere remembrance. He stated, "This photo exhibition is not simply about remembering and mourning; it is a pledge to ensure that the accidents and tragedies occurring throughout society do not happen again." This sentiment reflects a broader call for systemic change, challenging the notion that safety is merely a cost to be minimized and that those responsible often evade true accountability. From our perspective at The Hankyoreh, this exhibition is a vital act of remembrance and a powerful advocacy tool, pushing for a future where every worker returns home safely.

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This photo exhibition is not simply about remembering and mourning; it is a pledge to ensure that the accidents and tragedies occurring throughout society do not happen again.