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Lee Jae-myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on July 29. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday directed Employment and Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon to take full responsibility for eradicating industrial accidents, warning him to "put his position on the line" if workplace deaths are not reduced. He also strongly condemned the recent fatal accident at POSCO E&C, calling it "a death caused by implied intent."

During a Cabinet meeting held at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, Lee said, "This year alone, five fatal industrial accidents have occurred at POSCO E&C. Repeated deaths in the same manner ultimately mean tolerating such fatalities, which, in legal terms, amounts to murder by implied intent."

Expressing his frustration, Lee added, "Five people went to work and never came home alive. How is this acceptable? Workplaces meant for earning a living have become battlefields. These were predictable accidents that could have been prevented but weren’t, as if there was an attitude that 'even if someone dies, it can’t be helped.' It’s devastating."

Lee also hinted at a site inspection of POSCO E&C, saying, "I think I should visit POSCO E&C myself." His remarks follow his visit last week to SPC Group's Shihwa plant, where multiple fatal accidents occurred. After his visit and criticism, SPC announced it would abolish night shifts exceeding eight hours.

"SPC’s decision to eliminate long night shifts is late but welcome," Lee said. "They previously promised to spend 100 billion won to prevent repeat accidents. I plan to verify whether they actually did. This time, I expect swift compliance."

Lee emphasized, "Workers are not machines. It's unreasonable to expect them to work 12-hour night shifts. We must permanently eradicate such outdated industrial accidents. Let this year be the starting point for eliminating workplace deaths."

Minister Kim responded, "We will review substantial punitive measures, including criminal penalties, punitive damages, restrictions on public bids, and business suspensions."

The Cabinet meeting, including the president’s remarks, was broadcast live on KTV. The presidential office explained that it aims to "promote transparency in governance by making parts of the Cabinet meeting open to the public."