Prosecution seeks 4-year sentence for CEO in fatal Ulsan diver case

Prosecutors have requested a four-year prison sentence for the CEO of a subcontracting firm, 대한마린산업 (Daehan Marine Industry), in connection with the death of a young diver at the HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard in Ulsan. The CEO, identified as Ha A-mu-gae, 49, faces charges including violations of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act.

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A worker's safe return home is solely the employer's responsibility, and we must hold the defendant strictly accountable, considering his failure to fulfill safety duties, his lack of apology to the bereaved family, and his submission of false evidence to evade responsibility.

During the closing arguments at the Ulsan District Court, the prosecution argued that workers, especially young ones earning near minimum wage, may not feel empowered to question dangerous working conditions. They emphasized that ensuring a worker's safe return home is solely the employer's responsibility and that the victim, despite being a skilled diver, lacked the experience to challenge superiors. The prosecution pointed to the defendant's alleged failure to fulfill safety obligations, his lack of apology to the bereaved family, and the submission of false evidence as reasons for seeking a strict sentence.

The defense for the CEO acknowledged the charges but sought leniency, highlighting that the main contractor, HD Hyundai Mipo, had agreed to provide safety personnel and a spotter. The defense claimed they submitted a settlement agreement between the main contractor and the victim's family at the main contractor's request, believing it represented a consolidated agreement. They requested a lenient judgment.

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The placement of a supervisor and a spotter was promised by the main contractor, HD Hyundai Mipo.

The accident occurred on January 8, 2024, when the 22-year-old diver, Kim A-mu-gae, was found dead while conducting underwater ship inspections alone near Pier 1 of the HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard. He was employed by Daehan Marine Industry. The charges against the CEO include inadequate safety measures, such as failing to adhere to the two-person work rule, not providing essential equipment like a buoyancy control device, and neglecting to assign a spotter.

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I am truly sorry to the deceased for what happened during work.