In the past three weeks, six migrant workers have tragically lost their lives due to industrial accidents in South Korea, leading to a rallying cry from advocate organizations in front of the Blue House for immediate government action. Various groups, including the Migrant Workers' Equality Coalition, held a joint press conference to express their outrage over the continuous fatalities despite the government's announcement of occupational safety measures, indicating that more fundamental changes are necessary rather than superficial solutions.

During the press conference, advocates highlighted the disturbing frequency of these deaths, expressing concern over the safety of migrant workers who are often treated as mere tools rather than human beings in the labor market. The tragic case of a 23-year-old Vietnamese worker named Tuan, who died in a conveyor belt accident at a gravel processing company, was particularly emphasized. Advocates pointed out the deplorable conditions under which Tuan was working, being left entirely alone without anyone to turn off the machinery, raising important questions about workplace safety regulations and the treatment of migrant laborers.

The advocates also underscored that the industrial accident mortality rate among migrant workers is three times higher than that of native workers, making the call for effective safety measures more urgent. They have outlined essential demands to the government, including the establishment of a dedicated department for migrant worker safety, comprehensive safety measures, increased accountability for employers, and support for improving safety conditions in small businesses. The rally not only highlights the pressing issue of worker safety but also calls for a re-evaluation of how migrant workers are viewed and treated within the labor system in Korea.