President condemns alleged abuse of migrant worker as 'blatant human rights violation'

A Sri Lankan worker is seen tied to a forklift at a brick factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province, in this screen capture from a video obtained by a local migrant workers' group. Courtesy of Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers’ Human Rights Network

President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday condemned the alleged abuse of a migrant worker at a brick factory, calling it a "blatant violation of human rights" and pledging stronger protection for vulnerable groups.

His remarks came a day after migrant rights activists urged authorities to punish those involved in the incident, which was captured in video footage that circulated online this week.

"I could hardly believe my eyes after watching the video. It is unimaginable that such an incident could occur in a country known as a global cultural powerhouse and a model of democracy," Lee wrote on Facebook.

He described the act as "an unacceptable act of violence against minorities and the vulnerable."

"We will ensure that no one suffers from human rights abuses or labor exploitation due to their unstable status," the president added, calling on relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of Employment and Labor, to take swift action.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior aides at the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Joint Press Corps

The Gwangju Jeonnam Migrant Workers' Human Rights Network on Wednesday released video footage showing a man in his 30s from Sri Lanka tied to bricks with plastic wrap and lifted by a forklift at a factory in Naju, South Jeolla Province.

In the footage, the forklift operator, a Korean man, lifts and moves the restrained worker. Several other workers were seen nearby. One man was heard scolding the migrant worker, saying, "You should say you're sorry."

It was unclear when the video was recorded or under what circumstances. The Sri Lankan worker is reportedly suffering from psychological trauma as a result of the incident.

"This was a horrific act that denied the worker the most basic human dignity. It reflects the inhumane reality where foreign workers are treated not as people but merely as tools," the civic group said in a statement.

The labor ministry has launched an inspection into the factory.

Officials said the probe will focus on whether the Sri Lankan worker was subjected to workplace harassment, while also conducting a comprehensive review of the facility’s compliance with labor laws, including potential wage delays.

"If any violations of the law are found, we will take firm action. We will also strengthen preemptive monitoring of workplaces that employ foreign workers to better protect their labor rights," Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of laborers from 16 countries, including Southeast Asia, come to Korea each year under a government-run program that allows foreign nationals to work in low-wage jobs, mainly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Often facing harsh conditions and mistreatment, these workers have long called for improvement in working environments and the elimination of discrimination.