A tragic incident at Taekwang Industry's Ulsan plant has raised serious concerns regarding worker safety, after a 37-year-old worker, identified as Son A-mu, died due to toxic exposure. On the night of December 5, Son was responding to a reported issue with factory equipment when he was exposed to hazardous chemicals. Reports indicate that despite his visible distress after exposure, Son was left unattended for over 40 minutes, which labor unions have described as an egregious act of negligence bordering on murder.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Son was not wearing proper protective gear unlike his colleagues, which raises questions about compliance with safety regulations and the provision of appropriate safety equipment by the company. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has opened a probe into possible violations related to workplace safety laws. Additionally, labor organizations are vocally demanding stricter penalties for management, citing this incident as a systemic failure of workplace safety protocols designed to protect workers from hazardous situations.

This incident marks the first case handled by the newly established serious accident investigation team at the Ulsan branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, underscoring the urgent need for improved regulatory enforcement in South Korea's industrial sector. As investigations continue, including the examination of CCTV footage from the site, there is increasing pressure for accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future, reflecting a broader call for changes in labor law to enhance the protection and rights of workers across the nation.