Why do workplace fatalities in Korea continue to rise despite gov't crackdown?

Korea recorded a rise in industrial accident fatalities in the third quarter of 2025, underscoring the country’s persistent workplace safety crisis despite a high‑profile government crackdown. The latest official data showed deadly accidents increasing both in number and rate, with large industrial sites and construction remaining the deadliest workplaces. Experts and industry officials believe the increase reflects chronic problems at small and subcontracted worksites and argue that real progress will require not just tougher penalties but sustained investment in safer equipment, more inspectors and practical, on-site support for employers and workers. According to third‑quarter industrial accident statistics released by the Ministry of Employment and Labor, 457 workers were killed in 440 fatal accidents, up 3.2 percent from 443 deaths in 411 accidents a year earlier. Construction remained the most dangerous industry. It recorded 210 deaths in 200 accidents, a 3.4 percent increase in fatalities from 203 a year earlier, even as the number of fatal cases stayed the same at 200. ManWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times