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Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung delivers a briefing on the visit of Vietnam’s party chief at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on August 7. / Source: Yonhap News

The presidential office stated on August 7 that it is currently reviewing legal measures against POSCO E&C following a string of fatal industrial accidents.

The announcement comes a day after President Lee Jae-myung ordered a thorough investigation into the repeated safety failures at the company, and instructed officials to explore all legally viable options, including revoking its construction license, banning it from public bids, and introducing punitive damages.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said during a briefing at the Yongsan presidential office, “The Ministry of Labor has formed a dedicated investigative team and is rigorously reviewing whether POSCO E&C violated safety obligations under the Serious Accidents Punishment Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act.”

Kang added that the administration is also assessing whether there are any gaps or deficiencies in current legislation. “Under the current Serious Accidents Punishment Act, a business can be suspended if two or more deaths occur at the same site. We are examining whether such legal provisions are sufficient or require supplementation,” she said.

She further noted, “We’re also looking into expanding the scope of punitive damages. The president’s directives from yesterday are being followed up on a daily basis.”