In the wake of a devastating fire in Eumseong, South Korea, authorities have confirmed that the body found at the scene belongs to a 23-year-old Nepali student who had been working part-time. The victim was identified through DNA testing done by the National Institute of Scientific Investigation after the body was discovered amidst debris on October 31. Search operations are still ongoing for another individual, a 60-year-old Kazakhstan migrant worker, whose whereabouts remain unknown after 12 days of investigation. It is reported that both workers were unable to evacuate the factory due to the rapid escalation of the fire, despite alarm systems that successfully alerted and evacuated 81 other employees at the time.

The victim, originally from a small village near Kathmandu, Nepal, had arrived in South Korea on a student visa to pursue higher education while also working to support his studies. He was studying in Busan and had been working at the factory for only a few days prior to the incident. Witness testimonies highlight his quiet demeanor and dedication to both his studies and job. A fellow Nepali student shared that despite their busy lives, they had exchanged limited conversations about their pursuits; underscoring the pressures faced by international students balancing education and work in a foreign country.

The continuing search for the remaining missing worker raises serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at workplaces involving migrant laborers. The local community and organizations supporting international students have been gathered in solidarity, particularly as many students navigate precarious working conditions while preparing for the new academic year. The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with labor for many foreign workers in South Korea, spotlighting the need for improved safety measures and community support for this vulnerable demographic.