0
Workers handling tasks at a salt farm. (The photo is unrelated to the contents of the article) / Courtesy of Yonhap News

Three workers who suffered labor exploitation, including assault and unpaid wages, at a salt farm in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, have been officially recognized by the government as human trafficking victims. The victims will receive relief assistance, including living expenses, medical bills, and legal aid.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced on the 25th that it had finalized the status of three male workers in their 50s and 60s, who were subjected to labor exploitation at a salt farm in Yeonggwang County, South Jeolla Province, as human trafficking victims on the 23rd under the Act on Prevention of Human Trafficking and Protection of Victims.

Previously, allegations were raised that an owner at a salt farm in Yeonggwang, South Jeolla Province, assaulted workers and failed to pay their wages on time. An investigation revealed that the victims entered the salt farm through an employment agency and worked at the farm operated by the owner for periods ranging from as short as three months to as long as over three years.

It was confirmed that they suffered labor exploitation during their employment, including being assaulted and not receiving proper wages. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family requested a connection for victim support in cooperation with the Yeonggwang Police Station in South Jeolla Province, and finalized their victim status following a support referral from the police.

Once finalized as human trafficking victims, individuals can receive relief assistance in accordance with the Operating Guidelines for Relief and Support Expenses for Human Trafficking Victims. For these three victims, living expenses of 783,000 won per person per month will be provided for up to six months. Necessary support, including medical expenses and legal assistance, will also be connected.

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has historically finalized and supported victims following deliberations by the Committee for Determination of Human Trafficking Cases. Starting this year, however, to ensure prompt assistance, individuals are immediately finalized as victims and supported without separate deliberations if their criminal victimization is confirmed through relevant agencies, such as the National Police Agency and the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Since the beginning of this year up to the 23rd, a total of 29 individuals have been finalized as human trafficking victims. This includes 4 individuals who went through deliberations by the Case Determination Committee and 25 whose criminal victimization was confirmed. Since 2023, the total number of individuals finalized as human trafficking victims to date stands at 86.

Among the 86 victims, labor exploitation was the most prevalent category with 60 individuals. Victims of prostitution and sexual exploitation totaled 22, while 4 victims were identified as experiencing both sexual and labor exploitation. By gender, there were 46 men and 40 women, and by nationality, 16 were Korean citizens and 70 were foreign nationals.

"This case allowed us to promptly support the victims through active cooperation with the police," said Won Min-kyung, Minister of Gender Equality and Family. "We will continue to do our utmost to detect and support victims early through cooperation with relevant agencies." She added, "We are also pushing for an amendment to the Anti-Human Trafficking Act so that relevant agencies—including the Ministry of Justice, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries—can immediately refer victims to the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family whenever they detect them during inspections or investigations."

                                                                                                        Kim Nam-hyung